Referred to as ‘the Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in America’, the Maddox Brothers and Rose were one of the most famous hillbilly groups of the genre. Originally comprised of brothers Fred, Cal, Cliff, and Don Maddox with their sister Rose, the family group’s members were all born in Boaz, Alabama. Along with their parents and other siblings, the entire family moved to California via train and hitchhiking, settling in Modesto. Although they had been playing music for several years, they established themselves as a professional musical act in 1937, performing at talent shows which led to the group appearing on local radio stations. Initially, her brothers were offered a regular slot on radio but only if Rose performed with them. Performing whenever and wherever they could, the Maddox Brothers and Rose become the hottest rockabilly act in California. From 1946 to 1951, the group recorded for the 4 Star Records label, then moved to Columbia Records from 1951 to 1956. Cliff Maddox died on August 8, 1949 and was replaced by younger brother Henry. The Maddox Brothers and Rose continued to perform live and release singles up through their break-up in 1956. Rose became a solo sensation and continued to record and tour. In the meantime, the Maddox Brothers and Rose recordings were reissued frequently, reminding future generations of their pioneering sound. The most complete release was the Bear Family four CD box set entitled The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in America (1998). Cal Maddox died on July 2, 1968, followed by Henry Maddox (June 11, 1974), Fred Maddox (October 29, 1992), Rose Maddox (April 15, 1998), and Don Maddox (September 12, 2021).
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