Buster With Dottie West At The Grand Ole Opry In 1989

"Buster Kendrick is not your every day guitarist. He is a blend of the top pickers in the nation today, and yet that blend is accomplished so smoothly that it provides him with his own style. Not only is Buster a fine guitarist, he is also my friend. I guess that is what I'm the proudest of", says Jim Owen. As written on liner notes of Buster's first album.

His technique on the acoustical and amplified guitar, his long string of personal appearances and performances on radio, television, film and record are evidence of the fact that success doesn't necessarily mean being called a "star" or having a record label.

Buster got his first itch for the musical life back in his hometown of Shelby, North Carolina. The legendary Red Foley was giving a show in Shelby and Buster's invalid neighbor, Mrs. Georgia Sutherland, was disappointed she couldn't attend. So she invited Foley and his band to come by after the show for a visit. Buster's mom cooked up a "supper" - truly a country meal - and Red thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The vision of Foley, learning against the cook stove and playing the Cajun tune, "Jole Blon" was planted forever in Buster's memory.

"I cherished that night and it turned my whole life in one direction", Buster recalls. For young Buster, that was it - making music was what he wanted to do.

And since 1954, that's just what he has been doing, playing with family and friends. He even had his own radio show while in high school. Buster has played the Wheeling Jamboree; The Johnny High Country Music Review in Fort Worth, Texas; The Jimmy Rodgers Festival in Meridian, Mississippi; The World's Fair in Knoxville; Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree, The Renfro Valley Barn Dance as well as countless one - nighters all over the United States and Canada.

After leaving Shelby for Nashville, he was lead guitarist for the Jim Owen show for several years. This was followed by a stint as the guitar player at the George Jones Car Collector's Hall of Fame. During this time he was also lead guitarist for the legendary Clyde Moody until his death.

But of all the picking, one of his most memorable experiences is the last concert given by Lulu Belle and Scotty Wiseman. Buster had recorded their song, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and when he had the opportunity to meet them in Spruce Pine, NC, Buster gave them a copy of the recording. They quickly became friends and Scotty said if the couple ever came out of retirement to do a show, they wanted Buster to play. Three weeks later they asked Buster to play lead guitar for them at a political rally in the resort town of Sugar Mountain, NC. It turned out to be their last concert. Scotty died a short time later.

Buster also played many years as acoustic guitarist for Dottie West on the Grand Ole Opry. After Dottie's untimely death, Buster continued his music career with her daughter Shelly West, playing acoustic guitar and driving her tour bus. Driving became an exciting experience for him. He later began driving tour buses for many country music stars including Louise Mandrell, Faron Young, Johnny Russell and the Gatlin Brothers. During the last 3 years in Nashville, Buster drove full time for country music singer Don Williams, before retiring and moving back to Shelby, NC.

Yes, family and music have been Buster Kendrick's life. He has had an experience of a lifetime and accomplished a music man's dream. This experience has led him across America and to many aspects of the music industry. Although he has retired from the busy music world, he continues to enjoy picking with family and friends. He hasn't completely traded in his guitars yet, but ballgames, recitals, fishing, part time tour bus driving and being a full time granddaddy has become a whole new career.
 

At The Opry With Roy Acuff	Another Night At The Opry With Dottie
Early Days At The Opry Picking With Leon Rhodes "Take It Away Leon"
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