Red Blanchard

Background

He was born in Pittsville, Wisconsin, the third son of William and May (Jackson) Blanchard.

Career

In his teens he learned to play guitar, fiddle and banjo. Inspired by the "Blue Yodeler" Jimmie Rodgers, he purchased his first guitar at the age of fourteen. In 1930, accompanied his two older brothers, Hillis and Nolney, he made his singing debut on radio station WISN in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, calling himself the "Texas Yodeler".

In March 1942, Blanchard was drafted, serving four years in the South Pacific as a combat entertainer of soldiers.

A million soldiers saw his concerts and he was awarded six battle stars. After his discharge in 1946, he joined the "Sage Riders", performing on the National Barn Dance.

The "Sage Riders" comprised Ray Klein, Dolph Hewitt and Don "Whytsell" White. In 1950, Blanchard left the "Sage Riders" to concentrate on a solo career.

During the 1950s, he hosted the "Red Blanchard Show" and the "Merry-Go-Round Show".

He also appeared on shows such as "Smile-A-While" and the "Armed Forces Radio Services" and also worked as an author, publishing books and writing columns for newspapers. In 1959, the National Barn Dance was transferred from World's Largest Store to World's Greatest Newspaper, where it changed name to the World's Greatest Newspaper Barn Dance. When World's Greatest Newspaper Barn Dance was cancelled in 1969 Blanchard began an extensive tour of more than 250 engagements a year.

During a broadcast from the "Dinner Bell Show" at World's Largest Store , he was elected Honorary Mayor of Pittsville, Honorary Chief of Police, and Honorary Chief of the Fire Department, by his hometown of Pittsville.

He retired to Florida and died in 1980.

Membership

In 1931, he performed on the National Barn Dance at World's Largest Store in Chicago as a member of "Rube Tronson"s Texas Cowboys".

Connections

Partner:

Harry Campbell