"The Country Strummers began their musical career back in 1964. Ralph Stanley and Fred Black were invited to join a group of musicians and singers that were entertaining at the [Knights of Pythias] Lodge Hall in Bernard. This was a program sponsored by the lodge that included dancing, singing and an all round evening of good local talent. This inspired Fred and Ralph to stick with their music and they began a schedule of practice each week, their practice sessions were held on Saturday night. In 1966 Floyd Farley joined Ralph and Fred. Floyd being very talented with any string instrument soon became a real asset to the group. These three musicians kept quite busy playing for local functions, traveling to many of our nursing homes, senior citizens homes and many wedding and anniversary parties.
