Historical Marker Database Search

Subject Search

Select a subject from the selection box below and press search to view all markers related to that subject.

 

Search Results

"Ernest Hogan"
Marker Number 2282
County Warren
Location 401 Kentucky St., Bowling Green
Description Born Reuben Crowdus on April 17, 1865 in Bowling Green, Ky. He left home at age 12 to sing in minstrel shows. He became prominent as a songwriter in the 1890s. In 1895, he wrote “La Pas Ma La” & promoted it as first published ragtime song. Many regarded him as the “Father of Ragtime,” a new genre of music, from which many other types of music developed.

(Reverse) A pioneer in black entertainment, he was one of the best-known and highest-paid performers of early ragtime era. He starred in major minstrels, vaudeville, and musical comedy. In 1898, Hogan had the starring role in the first black show to play in major Broadway theatre. He died on May 20, 1909 and is buried in the Mt. Moriah cemetery.
Subjects Actors , African American , Bowling Green , Musicians
Bradley Kincaid (1895-1989)
Marker Number 2026
County Garrard
Location new section of KY 52-E, mile marker 11.2, Point Leavell
Description "The Kentucky Mountain Boy," born at Point Leavell, Garrard County, was radio's pioneer singer of folk songs and ballads in the 1920s-40s. Kincaid began in 1926 at Chicago's WLS; later performed on WSM Grand Ole Opry (1944-50). He recorded over 200 songs and published 13 songbooks. Elected to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, 1971. Presented by the Kincaid Family.
Subjects Music , Musicians
Jonathan E. Spilman
Marker Number 1202
County Muhlenberg
Location Greenville, near Jct. US 62 & KY 601
Description Birthplace of Kentucky lawyer, minister, and composer. While at Transylvania Law School, 1837, he wrote the music for Robert Burns' "Flow Gently, Sweet Afton," best remembered of his seven melodies. An adaptation of this music used in one of the tunes to "Away in a Manger," words by Martin Luther. Lawyer 18 years. Became minister when 46. Born 1812. Died 1896.
Subjects Transylvania University , Musicians
Jug Band Pioneer
Marker Number 2291
County Jefferson
Location 1200 block of River Road, Louisville Waterfront
Description Earl McDonald (1885-1949) helped establish Louisville as the home of jug band music. An accomplished jug blower, vocalist, composer, leader, & recording artist. Bands in Australia, Europe, and Japan continue to admire, perform, and emulate his 42 recorded tunes of the 1920s and 1930s.
Subjects African American , Musicians
Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002)
Marker Number 2150
County Mason
Location 9 East Third Street, Maysville
Description Born in Maysville, Rosemary Clooney topped the charts with “Come On A-My House” in 1951. Other hits include “This Ole House” and “Hey There.” Her first film, The Stars Are Singing, premiered at Maysville’s Russell Theater in 1953. She costarred with Bing Crosby in the 1954 classic film White Christmas.

(Reverse) Throughout a singing and acting career that spanned six decades, the acclaimed “girl singer” remained connected to her hometown. In 1999, “Rosie” launched the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival in Maysville, the site of her birth, marriage, and final resting place.
Subjects Women , Musicians
Site of Boyhood Home of Red Foley
Marker Number 2114
County Madison
Location Berea, KY 595 and Menelaus Rd.
Description Born Clyde Julian Foley, June 17, 1910; nicknamed "Red" for his red hair. Recuited by Chicago's WLS Radio Station to perform on Barn Dance, 1931, renamed National Barn Dance and broadcast on NBC, 1933. Foley helped found Renfro Valley Barn Dance, 1938. Hosted Grand Ole Opry's "Prince Albert Show," 1946-53; ABC's "Ozark Jubilee," 1955-60.

(Reverse) Clyde Julian "Red" Foley - Foley costarred in ABC's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," 1962-63. "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" was number one on country and pop charts; "Peace in the Valley" first gospel song to sell over 1 million copies. First Kentuckian elected to Country Music Hall of Fame, 1967; inducted into Ky. Music Hall of Fame, 2002. Died Sept. 19, 1968. Presented by City of Berea.
Subjects Musicians
Back to Top | New Search