MUSEUM CALENDAR

Curly Seckler

Born December 25, 1919

John Ray ("Curly") Seckler ranks as one of bluegrass music’s most important sidemen, adding significantly to the quality and professionalism of the music during its early "golden era." He was heard regularly by millions on syndicated television, radio, records and personal appearances and best known for his rhythm mandolin playing and tenor harmony signing in duets, trios and quartets while working intermittently with Flatt & Scruggs from 1949 to 1962.

Seckler (adapted from his family name of Sechler) began his career around his birthplace of China Grove, N.C., working with Charlie Monroe by the late 1930's. At various times later he was with several other notable bands for brief periods. He was in private life from March, 1962, until joining Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass in 1973. Following Flatt's death in 1979, he became leader of the Nashville Grass, making personal appearances and recording over a half dozen albums, until his gradual retirement in the mid 1990s. Recorded songs he wrote or co-wrote and featured on shows include "A Purple Heart," "That Old Book Of Mine" and "No Mother Or Dad."