VERN YOUNG

• • From Lamar, Missouri. Originally from Rochester, New York.
  • Began performing at age 12.
  • His real name is Guy Lewis Young. While working at a radio station, his boss requested that he change his name. Someone suggested “Vern” and the name stuck.
  • 1951, he played guitar and sang lead with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys (replacing Jimmy Martin) for on one short tour (10 days).
  • During his early performing days, he worked with Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hank Thompson, Grandpa Jones, and other traditional country artists.
  • Moved to Utah where he worked worked as a DJ on radio station KSOP. He also worked as a deputy sheriff in Salt Lake City. He was featured in “True Detective” magazine for his arrest of a notorious criminal.
  • 1989, returned to his music career and formed the Vern Young Band.
  • He received the Male Vocalist of the Year 11 times by SPBGMA in Missouri.
  • 2002, was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • 2010, was presented a proclamation by the Governor of Missouri for his 72 years in music.
  • 2012, retired from performing at age 88.
  • 2019, died at the age of 95.