Roy Acuff Country Music Plate Block of 4 37c Postage Stamps - MNH, OG - Sc# 3812 - DR171

Roy Claxton Acuff was an American country music singer, fiddler, promoter, and freemason. Known as the "King of Country Music", Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the singer-based format that helped make it internationally successful. In 2003 the USPS honored Roy Claxton Acuff (1903-92). He played minor league baseball until illness ended that career. During his recovery, he learned to play his father's fiddle and began playing on local radio. His two greatest hits were "Wabash Cannonball" and "The Great Speckled Bird." Acuff and his band, the Smoky Mountain Boys, were invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry radio show in 1938. Acuff soon became a regular, as well as the host of the Opry. Acuff recorded and performed on the Opry into the 1990s. As performer, music publisher, and the Grand Master of the Grand Ole Opry, Acuff influenced generations of country music artists. 

Born: September 15, 1903, Maynardville, TN

Died: November 23, 1992, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, Nashville, TN