Avoiding the heat yesterday found me prone in front of the electric TV scanning the channels. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a documentary titled, "Orange Blossom Special : an American Anthem"? An homage to the author of this bluegrass classic, Erwin Rouse. The show included interviews with musicians, producers and writers honoring the song written by an alcoholic mentally retarded man who was a fiddle savant but died before he was recognized as the writer of this classic. He might still be with us had he traded his bottle for the mystic weed.
Then discussing the unique beat of the song who should appear with a cogent comment but..... Richard Greene. Bluegrass fiddler supreme, one of the pioneers of bluegrass and daughter Deborah's violin guru! But I digress to tell you this: the show interviewed people who have been associated with this song from Vassar Clements to Johnny Cash (on harmonica). I met Vassar several times when my interest in bluegrass was at its height and Vassar was still among us little folks and bluegrass reached the big time. Very interesting all the way through.
The sound of Orange Blossom Special ringing through the glen always assures me that we're all on this flight together,
Dick
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