Maddox, Rose

ROSE MADDOX

  • From Boaz, Alabama.
  • Full name: Roselea Arbana Maddox.
  • Moved with her family to California in 1933 in search of a better life. They traveled by hitching rides in empty railroad boxcars. When they arrived in California, the only work they could find was as migrant “fruit tramps” working the fields and orchards up and down the fertile valleys of California.
  • 1937, began performing with her brothers as “The Maddox Brothers and Rose,” one of country music’s most successful acts (broke up in 1956).
  • Voted best female country vocalist by both Billboard and Cashbox magazines. She became known as “The Queen of the West.”
  • After launching her solo career, she formed a band called The Foggy Notion Band. In her words, “I never had the foggiest notion that I would ever have my own band.”
  • 1962, recorded Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass (Capitol) which is widely believed to be the first bluegrass album released by a female vocalist. Side musicians on the album included Bill Monroe, Don Reno and Red Smiley.
  • 1980, released This Is Rose Maddox album (Arhoolie) with the Vern Williams Band.
  • 1983, released Beautiful Bouquet album (Arhoolie) with the Vern Williams Band.
  • Rose has been the subject of several television specials and one book: Ramblin’ Rose: The Life and Career of Rose Maddox by Johnny Whiteside (Country Music Foundation).
  • Died April 15, 1998.