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December 30, 2009

Legendary fiddler Hall dies at 93

By Rich Flowers News Editor

Bud Hall’s annual appearance at the Athens Fiddler’s Contest and Reunion was like the tip of the iceberg. What he did behind the scenes for the annual event was the greater part.

Virgil “Bud” Hall died Tuesday at 93, ending his tenure of more than 50 years at the helm of the musical competition held the last Friday of May on the courthouse square.

Although the days when he could MC the entire event had long since passed, Hall was in his regular spot on May 29, to kick off the 2009 reunion. He remained on the bandstand until the champion was crowned at about 6 p.m.

Mary Ensign, secretary of Texas Fiddler’s Association, Inc. said Hall’s association with the fiddler’s reunion is as old as the event itself.

“As a matter of fact, he was at the first one, back in 1932,” Ensign said. “For years, he and Bob McGee were the ramrods of it.”

Ensign remembers Hall as someone who loved music and had a vast knowledge of songs and musicians. For years, he spun records on KBUD, when the station had its studios on the Athens square.

“He knew music and the western swing, and all that fiddling stuff,” Ensign said. “When someone wanted to interview us, I made sure that he would be there, because he knew so much.”

During Hall’s years as general manager of the fiddler’s reunion, many top fiddlers scratched the strings during the Thursday night jam session. Among them was the legendary Johnny Gimble, a former member of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

When not involved with bows and breakdowns, Hall had a varied career. At age 15, he became the first driver of the only Athens Independent School District school bus. He and his four brothers all served in the military during World War II, each returning home safely. He was involved in institutional food sales and was a rancher.

Ensign became secretary of the Fiddler’s Association in 1971, and found Hall to be a great person to work with.

“He was the best” Ensign said.“

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