Joe and

Rose Lee Maphis

Singers, guitarists, songwriters

Otis W. “Joe”: Born in 1921 in Virginia;

died in 1986

Rose Lee: Born in 1922 in Maryland;

lives in Nashville

• Met in 1948 at the Old Dominion Barn Dance on station WRVA in Richmond, Va.

• Moved to the San Fernando Valley shortly after their marriage; by the early ‘50s they appear together regularly on Cliffie Stone’s “Hometown Jamboree” TV show in Los Angeles

• Signed to Capitol Records in 1950; Joe establishes a reputation as one of “the fastest guitarists alive”

• On the way home after his first performance at Bakersfield’s Blackboard in 1952, Joe writes “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music).” Maphises become semi-regulars in Bakersfield

• Maphises move to Bakersfield in 1962 and perform often on Cousin Herb’s “Trading Post” TV show and other local programs

• Joe is bandleader for Cousin Herb Henson’s 10-year anniversary show in September 1963, set to vinyl as “Country Music Hootenanny”

• Maphises tour almost continuously, 1965-68, then move to Nashville

• Mid-’60s series of albums includes “Fire on the Strings,” “King of the Strings” and “Golden Gospel Guitar”