Celebrated fiddler and Western Swing master Johnny Gimble passed away on May 9, 2015 in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Johnny Gimble was born on May 30, 1926, near Tyler, Texas. Gimble was an essential musician in the development of Western Swing music, especially during his years with Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.
Johnny Gimble was presented a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994
“It is with great sadness that the National Endowment for the Arts acknowledges the passing of 1994 National Heritage Fellow Johnny Gimble, a Western Swing fiddler from Dripping Springs, Texas,” said a National Endowment for the Arts press release. “Gimble influenced the sound and rhythm of Western swing, especially during his years with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. His prowess on the fiddle earned him five “Instrumentalist of the Year” awards from the Country Music Association and eight “Fiddler of the Year” designations by the Academy of Country Music.”
In another press release, Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy stated: “Famed fiddle player and two-time GRAMMY Award winner Johnny Gimble was a much-beloved hero in country music. A multi-instrumentalist who began his career while just a teen, Johnny went on to showcase his influential and extraordinary style on countless classic recordings such as Merle Haggard’s “Ramblin’ Fever” and Dolly Parton’s album Jolene. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege and pleasure of working with him.”
For a more detailed biography, visit: arts.gov/honors/heritage/fellows/johnny-gimble
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
