Two Locals Inducted in Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame

Music has always been able to reach each one of us in many ways whether it be art or personal reasons. Music not only soothes the heart, but it cleanses the soul. Larry Newberry and Doyle Baker wee inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame in November of 2006.

In an interview with the News Observer of Blue Ridge Georgia, Newberry goes on the say, "Music is a disease, it gets to the heart and the only cure is to get out and make it." He is photographed holding his 1968 Gibson Flat Top guitar. He said, "He started to pick the guitar when he was 9 or 10. His father come home with the Gibson for him and his three brothers to share, his father paid $300.00 for the Gibson and made $16.00 per month payments until it was paid for."

Newberry was born in Polk County, Tennessee and grew up in Fannin County, Georgia. He was raised singing gospel harmony music with his parents. He said, "He got hooked on country music by listening to the radio, his favorites are Earnest Tubb and Hank Laughlin." When he was 16 he come to be in possession of his own guitar by purchasing the Flat Top from The Standard Coffee Company that brought wares to homes once a month. At first, it was like playing a cross tie with strings, I have still got it and I am 55."

A native of Cherokee County North Carolina, Doyle Baker moved to Fannin County Georgia at the early age of 12. His uncle gave him his first flat top guitar, a Fender Telecaster. Baker went on to say, "a Fender Telecaster is the guitar of choice with lead guitar players in Nashville, Tennessee."

Baker born in Cherokee County North Carolina grew up listening to his father sing in a gospel quartet with the Leatherwood Brothers." He goes on, "I just sat around the house and listened to the radio and gradually picked up on things." Chet Atkins is his idol and Merle Travis is one of his favorites.

The two pickers met one another in the mid 70's at Dr. Lee's First Tuesday in Ducktown, Tennessee. Newberry says, "That's where a lot of people got their start in country music. Dr. Lee loves music, he put in a stage in one of his old office buildings and invited musicians to the jam sessions. In the spring and summer, First Tuesday was held outside and the streets wee blocked off. There was no telling how many people that showed up just to listen."

Baker made his name in the 50's performing on the air of radio stations WRKR and WCVP in Murphy North Carolina. We wish them the best of luck now and the future.