Wildwood Girls, The

THE WILDWOOD GIRLS

  • From Speedwell, Tennessee. Originally from Chicago.
  • An all-female band. Formed in 1977 as The Wildwood Pickers by 16-year-old Kim Koskela (banjo), Robin Koskela (vocals), Muriel Anderson (guitar) and Kathy Jones (fiddle).
  • Their name is derived from the Carter Family song “Wildwood Flower.” Original band wore blue and white checked blouses like the original Carter Sisters.
  • 1982, changed the name to The Wildwood Girls.
  • They made several overseas tours for the USO and the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • They were regular performers at Dolly Parton’s “Dollywood” theme park.
  • They claim to be the first “all girl bluegrass band” to play the Grand Ole Opry.
  • The only original member to remain with the group was banjo player Kim Koskela (Clauson). IBMA Director Nancy Cardwell played bass with this group in the early 1990’s.
  • They released a total of six albums on their own record label.
  • Broke up in 1999.