Interview with Donna Stoneman- Bluegrass Mandolin Pioneer

[@danrobbins2151]

That was fabulous, Tara! I stumbled upon this video from 7 years ago while reading up on the historical John Hardy -- and discovering the Ernest V. Stoneman recordings. Now you've given me a new KZbin rabbit hole to go down with the Stonemans. I'm looking forward to it!

[@MandoliciousMusic]

Anyone interested in early country/bluegrass/old time musics should definitely know about the whole Stoneman Family! Definitely learn about Pop Stoneman, Donna,Patsy, Roni, Scotty Stoneman, etc. Also there is a fantastic book by Barry Mazer called "Ralph Peer." It should be essential reading for anyone interested in early musics of the 20th century in my humble opinion. :)

[@budchestnut9303]

Donna is a sweetheart! The smile she has all the time is the Holy Spirit! I was recording engineer for a TV network where she appeared and played. She took time to look at my mandolin and encourage me to learn to play it better! She is a licensed minister of the gospel and loves to tell folks about Jesus! Thank you Donna. You change lives!

[@berachtdorian6191]

I've always loved Donna's playing. She's a wonderful person, and she truly communicates that through her mandolin.

[@londonbridgebox]

😍 what a piece of history! Thanks for sharing!

[@INDYOSKARS]

*THAT WAS WONDERFUL, THANKS SO MUCH !*

[@wideawakenotwoke6178]

I had the pleasure of playing with Donna in London in1988 she's great!

[@ArkRed1]

I met Donna and the Stoneman family in 196? in Denver when they played the Exodus. I lied to the ticket lady and told her I was a friend of banjorist Douglas Dillard. Roni took me back to their dressing room, and said, "Hey, this guy is a friend of Doug Dillard's". Donna asked me how long since I'd seen Doug, and I told her about two weeks ago. Donna said, "That's funny. Doug has been in Africa with the Byrds for about a month or so". BUSTED!!! I told her I was a huge fan of the Stoneman's, and I couldn't afford a ticket to their show, but I really wanted to meet them. They started laughing and Donna said, "You come back here every night and we'll visit and pick between shows". So all week I got to hang out with the Stoneman Family. Great people.

[@MandoliciousMusic]

I love that story!! Thanks so much for sharing. :)

[@ShaneKennedy1969]

OMG. She is adorable.

[@MattRingressi]

Hearing Donna talk about Buzz is PURE GOLD. Thanks for this.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

We love Donna.. sweet and awesome mandolin player girl…

[@valerieharvey8719]

Absolutely love her humility! She knows Jesus.

[@randyjones7818]

Still remember the 67 stoneman.tv show as a kid..it was really good..van and the girls .always great music..tupelo.county jail and the 68 mgm.album..great stuff..rj.

[@wsst1000]

Can we hope that somewhere recordings of that show yet survive?

[@culichi]

@@wsst1000 ive seen a very short clip of that show where roni stoneman was reading fan mail and giving out smart aleck replies. i cant recall where i saw that clip but im pretty sure it wasnt youtube.

[@MandoliciousMusic]

That would be cool to see. :)

[@jrcrawford4]

"And then I had a lotta jazz down in here." ♥

[@chuckclifton7090]

Thanks Tara !

[@TheClemcaster]

How many people know about the Stoneman family and their contribution to this music? Scott Stoneman was probably one of the best fiddlers to pick the instrument up, whilst his sister Donna was an exceptional mandolin player - even Bill Monroe remarked that he thought she was the best. Typically, the opry gave them short shrift. Their loss.

[@MandoliciousMusic]

They really should be in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame... and should be known by many.. we can try to help correct that where we can.

[@TheClemcaster]

@@MandoliciousMusic They should indeed; the story of how Mr Stoneman Snr went up to NY and encouraged Ralph Peer to go down to Bristol and record is really the genesis of modern recorded country music. Quite a family.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Great interview!

[@bendummitt888]

American royalty...

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

D. Stoneman- Greatest mandolin player in the world.

[@Joseph-ug7tl]

I live in there house. Edgewater maryland

[@thereareotherworlds]

When did they live there? They lived in the house Mr. Stoneman built in Carmody Hills when I knew them.

[@Leepinkmusic]

good work, play a little longer!