By Chris Murphy
Regular ModestoView readers know that Modesto is key to the history of Rock N Roll. In 1937, KTRB radio signed a young band called Maddox Brothers and Rose. Rose was then 11, and Fred Maddox didn’t know how to play bass. He began slapping his bass to disguise his skills and as he learned, this became the keystone of the Rockabilly slap bass sound that would lead to the birth of rock later. Yes, here in Modesto, sponsored by the former Rice Furniture, on S 9thSt. The rest is history was Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets and more blew it open for the rest. This music history will be showcased at the Graffiti USA Museum, where a museum space for Radio and Music History will be on display. But this month, check out what the fuss is all about.
Don’t miss the bass slapping rockabilly sound at the State Theatre on April, where JB Presents and ModestoView, Modesto Artists Movement & Trevino’s Barber Shop present the Rockabilly Families Reunion Crazy Daze.
Featuring John Clifton Blues Band and Bill Clifton’s Chicken & Whiskey Band. This MAMA Winning band has been rockin’ the west coast for decades. Also rockin’ the stage is the Daffney Payne Punk Rockabilly band bringing the hits. Local Tony T and the Pendletons psychobilly band will blister the stage and get you going. Enjoy cool classic hot rods outside and hot rockabilly inside. Proceeds go to Peer Recovery Art Project’s 501 C 3 non profit.
Doors at 12; show starts at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: $23 in advance or $28 day of.
Also note: CSU Stanislaus’ Frankie Tovar is working on a documentary of Maddox Brothers and Rose that is filming and editing now. Stay tuned
