In an attempt to capture all of the events of my fathers live, I decided to present his history by decade. There are actually 2 categories, his Personal and Profession or Career information. Most of the information here is gather through articles and interview with my dad. If you know anything different...like actual dates, feel free to pop me an email and correct it.
Thanks!!
Jimmy
1920’s
PERSONAL
1923-Born: Homer Robert Eanes, Jr on December 6, 1923 in Mountain Valley, Va. to Homer Robert “Uncle Bob” Eanes and Beatrice Richardson Eanes
Brothers: Stafford, Ralph, Bobby and Ted Sisters: Inez, Lois
1925-Severely burned his left hand—grabbing irons in a fireplace
PROFESSIONAL
Some signs of music interest watch Uncle Bob playing his banjo, but told it wouldn’t happen because of his hand.
1930’s
PERSONAL
Work in Uncle Bob’s general store and bootleg-a-torium
Ended his schooling in the 8th grade
Worked in tobacco field and furniture factory
Learned to play a guitar in spite of his hand
PROFESSIONAL
1932-Bought his first guitar through Sears and Roebuck
Played with Bob Eanes (grandpa) and the Mountain Valley Bootleggers Uncle Bob Eanes, Hassell Stanley, Little Bobby Eanes, Bill Gregory
1939-Started with Roy Hall and the Blue Ridge Entertainers-playing WDBJ in Roanoke, VA
1940’s
PERSONAL
Tried to enlist in army, but rejected because of his hand and broken arm
Convinced by marketing person to change his name to Jim….Smilin’ Jim
1946-Moved from Martinsville to Knoxville to play Tennessee Valley Barn Dance
PROFESSIONAL
1943-Left Roy Hall’s band after Hall was killed in auto accident
1946– Played with Joe Johnson & the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys in Martinsville, VA recorded his first song on the National Label (78)
1947– Co wrote “Wedding Bell’s”, “Next Sunday Darling is My Birthday”, I Overlooked an Orchid”, “Missing in Action” with Arthur Q. Smith
1948-Worked briefly with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs before joining Monroe
1948 Work with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys Don Reno (banjo) Benny Martin (fiddle) Joel Price (bass)
1949–First Capital recording after winning Capitals talent competition with Snuffy Jenkins (banjo) and Homer Sherrill (fiddle)
1950’s
PERSONAL
Early 50’s-met Ruby “Dickie” Morris at Starling Theater in Martinsville, VA married in 1953
1953-moved to South Hill, VA working radio for Johnny Shultz
1954-returned to Martinsville to work radio at WHEE
1955-I was born! James “Jimmy” Robert Eanes-January 18
PROFESSIONAL
1950-worked at WBTM Radio in Danville, VA
1951-Started the Shenandoah Valley Boys in Danville, VA Hubert Davis (banjo) Pee Wee Davis (fiddle)
Recorded 15 titles for Blue Ridge label including Long Journey Home/Lady of Spain/Missing in Action (wrote with A Q Smith and it was 3rd on the country charts selling 400,000 copies
1952-Decca contract– 30 titles in six sessions I Cried Again/Little Brown Hand/Wiggle Worm Wiggle/Rose Garden Waltz
1955-DJ at WHEE
Shenandoah Valley Boys Allen Shelton (Banjo), Roy Russell (fiddle), Arnold Terry and dad
1956-Starday contract-9 years 35 titles in twelve sessions Little Log Cabin/Your Old Standby
1960’s
PERSONAL
Early 60’s-moved to 419 Murohy Rd. in Collinsville, VA
1967 moved to Danville, VA working radio in Chatham, VA
1969-moved to Roanoke, VA
PROFESSIONAL
196--multiple Bluegrass festival DJing
1964-
1967-played the Wheeling Jamboree
1968-joined the Tennessee Cutups (Reno & Smiley’s old group) formed Shenandoah Cutups Billy Edwards (banjo), Hershel Sizemore (mandolin), Tater Tate (fiddle), John Palmer (bass)
1970’s
PERSONAL
1972-returned to Collinsville, VA
1978– heart attack
PROFESSIONAL
1980’s
PERSONAL
1983-wife Dickie dies July 21
PROFESSIONAL
The Rebel Recordings
1988– inducted into the Virginia Folk Music Association Hall of Fame
1988– European Tours– England, Scotland, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Belgium
1990’s
PERSONAL
1992-diagnosed with Emphysema-moved to Charlotte, NC with Jimmy’s family
1993-returned home, Bill Vernon was dad’s care giver and chauffeur and great friend!
1995-Dad passed way November 21 in at Blue Ridge Center, Martinsville, VA he is buried at Roselawn Cemetery in Martinsville,VA ….his tombstone reads “In His Arms I’m not Afraid”
PROFESSIONAL
1990-Jim’s final CD Released “50th Anniversary” on Rebel records
1993-Jim final recording was in Danville, VA with Tony Rice, recorded “Freight Train” this was the first and the last time I ever recorded a song with my dad
1993– Jim was inducted into IBMA’s Hall of Fame receiving a Certificate of Merit for Lifetime Achievement
1995– August– Dad’s last performance was at the Andy Griffith Theater in Mt. Airy, NC this was also the last time I played publically with my dad