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Captain Stubby and The Buccaneers.
Though he started out as Tom back in 1918, he forever became known as
Captain Stubby starting in 1938. Along with some friends from Indiana
Central University he went into the music business (back then they were
the Six Hoosiers). George Biggar (discoverer of Gene Autry and the
Hoosier Hot Shots among many others) heard the boys on WDAN (a little
250 watt station in Illinois) and turned his car around, headed to
Danville and signed the boys up on the spot to be on WLW in Cincinati -
the most powerful station in America. A tour entertaining sailors
interrupted his professional career for a time but after the war a
stint in New York lead to National Barn Dance fame and a recording
career that spanned decades. Tom left us in 2004 but his music will be
around us forever.
After ABC cancelled the Barn Dance,
our Captain and crew moved over to WGN and to Polka Go-Round on ABC TV.
By the way, his famous washboard is to be on display at the Cass County Historical Museum.
Over the years the Buccaneers had few personnel changes. Below is a listing of the key players:
Accordian: Peter Kunatz (also piano), Buddy Ross, Tony Walberg, Pete Kaye
Guitar/Banjo: Sonny Fleming, Chuck Kagy (fiddle/madolin), Curly Myers
Bass Guitar: Tiny Stokes
Clarinet/Flute: Jerald Richards
Washboard: Captain Stubby
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