On this Date in Kentucky Music History – Red Foley
I always love a good ‘did you know’ fact when it comes to Kentucky musicians. Way back in time on June 17, 1010, Red Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky, near the community of Berea. He became a major figure on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s and 1950s.
Red Foley helped establish the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Radio Show. He was well known for his hit song “Peace in the Valley,” as well as “Old Shep,” “Tennessee Saturday Night,” and Sugarfoot Rag.” His song, “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” reached #1 on the country and pop charts in 1950.
Red Foley has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One is for his recording career, located at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard. The other is for his television career, located at 6300 Hollywood Boulevard.
In 1967, he would become a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. You can even see his corncob pipe on display at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum. In 2003, a Kentucky State Historical Marker was placed at his boyhood home in Berea, Kentucky. In 2006, his 1951 version of “Peace in the Valley” was entered into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.