Interview with Tater Tate, April 4, 2006

Interview Summary

Notable bluegrass fiddler and bass player Tater Tate begins the interview by discussing his wife's recent health and his childhood. Tate lists some of his inspirations to play music. The early stages of Tate's music career are explored. Tate recalls learning how to play the mandolin, guitar, and the fiddle from his brothers. Tate considers the turning point in his life where he decided to pursue a career in music. Additionally, Tate highlights his work in bluegrass music during the 1950s and 1960s. Tate's time spent on the Cas Walker show is discussed. He explains the importance of Cas Walker to Knoxville, Tennessee and country music. He also mentions his musical collaboration with Archie Campbell. The overall close-knit nature of the bluegrass music industry is considered. Tate describes playing with Red Smiley and forming a successor band after Smiley's death called the Shenandoah Cutups. Tate recalls working with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass Band. He also remembers performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Wilma Lee Cooper. Tate details his friendship and working relationship with Bill Monroe. He considers some of his achievements in music. Tate's plans for the future are examined. Tate's wife and family are described. He concludes the interview with a discussion on the primary stylistic differences amongst some of the artists he performed with during his career.

Interview Keyword

Wife Musical instruments Country music Bluegrass music Flatt and Scruggs (Artist) Cas Walker (Businessman) Archie Campbell (Artist) Red Smiley (Artist) Shenandoah Cutups (Artist) Lester Flatt (Artist) Nashville Grass Band (Artist) Wilma Lee Cooper (Artist) Bill Monroe (Artist) Fiddle players Fiddles Bass players Virginia Music Hall of Fame Style

Interview LC Subject

Early life Childhood Brothers Inspiration Marines Kingsport (Tenn.) Bristol (Tenn.) Friendship Health Bluegrass music. Bluegrass musicians Musical performance Music--Performance.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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