Benny Coley

Benny's been around the Plectral Society since the onset. He's been pickin' mandolin and singin' those old Louvin Brother tunes for years. I thought it would be interesting to hear his story on oldtime music, so here it is - Mr. Benny Coley - P'Picker of the Month:

When and how did you first become interested in Oldtime Music? Someone in the family acquired an old guitar. I played approximately a year-and-a-half. I heard The Louvin Brothers and got very interested in the mandolin. Bought my first one from a man's attic and gave $2.50 for it.

How long have you been playing Oldtime Music? I started around 1946. Their was very little music, books, etc. available to me at that time. I've been playing now 62 years.

What were your musical influences? I like Country, Gospel, etc. - the Louvin Brothers more than any of the others.

Does anyone in your family play music? My mother played the piano.

What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? Early on, we played school houses, some radio. Later, moving to Madison County - we played the old Hayloft Frolic, Farm and Home Hour. We played as the "Pierce Family" - Country Gospel from 1972 - 1983.

What else do you do besides play music? I like fishing, sports, baseball, and softball.

What makes this kind of music "good" to you? The real reason for my music - I love harmony, and that seems to fit the mandolin I love so much.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music? I think the acoustic music brings out all the qualities in most any instrument. Some of the greatest pickers are in this type music.