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.