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Kentucky Stars 2004

Kentucky Stars Home Page

2004 Award Winners

JOHN LEE LAIR
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Radio Broadcasting

John Lee Lair exhibited a diverse array of talents, regardless of the fact that he was born in quaint Rockcastle County, Kentucky on July 1, 1894. As the founder of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, the very popular radio jamboree program, Lair quickly became the musical director for the radio station. It all began in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, where Lair would often attract thousands of people with his music shows. Lair was determined to entertain and never failed to put on an amazing show.

“On opening night, November 4, 1939 John Lee Lair stepped up to the microphone on the stage of the big barn and said, ‘This is the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, coming to you direct from a real barn in Renfro Valley, Kentucky – the first and only barn dance on the air presented by the actual residents of an actual community,’ and a Kentucky tradition was born; a tradition that still lives on today in Renfro Valley,” (Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum Web site).

Lair shared his talent with networks such as NBC, CBS, and ABC as well as WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky. Lair was known for his vast knowledge of American Folk-Music and various other interests as well. In addition to his success in entertainment, Lair also broadened his expertise in other various aspects - as a historian, collector, and an author of books concerned with Kentucky life.

John Lee Lair was respected for his knowledge of folk music and was intent on making a difference in the music world. His dream was to bring realism into radio broadcasting – and he did just that. Lair wanted to, “decrease showmanship and incorporate more heart-felt sincerity,” He had a dream of making a difference for Renfro Valley and when the more experienced radio men told him it could not be done – he quit his good job and tried things his way. The rest is history.

GEORGE ELLA LYON
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Literature

George Ella Lyon was born into a delightful world of music and books in Harlan County, Kentucky in 1949. A diverse atmosphere of arts enhanced Lyon’s young life and influenced her future dreams and incumbent success. Growing up, Lyon was fascinated with writing and music. Lyon has declared, “I was a wordful child. My family says I walked before I talked,” (Lyon, The Worldful Child 1996). Despite her interest in both music and writing, she is best known as an author of children’s books.

After graduating from Centre College in 1971, Lyon received a Ph.D. from Indiana University. During her undergraduate years at Centre College, Lyon was often involved in campus activities including singing and writing. She was very committed to both general public and campus issues. This interest has not deterred since her college years, as Lyon continues to focus on issues concerning her community. She often incorporates her passion for the environment into her writing.

Lyon is the author of numerous children’s books and often travels across the country to visit elementary schools and entertain children with her poems and stories. She takes great pleasure in relating her own life experiences into her classic books and in considering the importance of life experiences in literature. She is an advocate for improving the writing abilities of children across Kentucky. Through her diligent work, Lyon has emphasized the significance of educating children on the importance of reading and writing.

Lyon has said, “Words are writer’s gifts to the reader,” (Lyon, Kentucky Monthly 2003) and she has clearly exemplified this with her noble gift of her talent to the children of present society. During her workshops with children, Lyon expresses the importance of enjoying and learning throughout the writing process. She explains that the importance of writing is not to focus on getting published, but to learn something and have fun.

BOBBY OSBORNE
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Music

Bobby Osborne is the older brother of Sonny Osborne. Together, the two compose the famous Osborne Brothers band. The brothers are one of the original Bluegrass groups and arguably the most popular in history. Their first taste of success came when Bobby sang the song, “Ruby” on a radio broadcast in Ohio. This song was their first recording and hit for the Osbourne Brothers. Today, “Ruby” is still a signature hit for the brothers and one of their most requested songs.

In his earlier years, Bobby pursued a career in Bluegrass music and played in several bands before joining together with his younger brother to become the Osbourne Brothers. Bobby played with various bands such as the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Miami Valley Playboys, Silver Saddle Boys, and Rex and Eleanor Parker. Furthermore, Bobby played with the Stanley Brothers for a short time before being drafted into the Marines. Bobby also received the Purple Heart medal when serving in Korea during the war in 1951.

The Osbourne Brothers have received four Grammy award nominations and wrote the official Kentucky State Song, “Kentucky.” The duo has attained more national chart records than any other bluegrass band in history. Their renowned song Rocky Top is famous as being the most recorded song in bluegrass history. The same night that the brothers performed Rocky Top on the floor of the State House in Tennessee, Rocky Top was named the official state song by the General Assembly of Tennessee.

SONNY OSBORNE
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Music

Sonny Osborne was learning to play the banjo at age 11 while his brother worked in West Virginia with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. Sonny played his banjo religiously and often late at night and early into the next morning. His ability to play impressed his family and music teachers. When he was older, Sonny played with local musicians and even with his older brother’s band, the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, for a short time.

At the young age of 14, Sonny was hired to appear at the Grand Ole Opry with the Bluegrass Boys, and he left home at age 15 in order to pursue his dream. Sonny knew that bluegrass music encompassed his future and he was anxious to explore his musical talents. Sonny was offered the chance to work with his friend Bill Monroe on a permanent basis; therefore, Monroe asked Sonny’s father for permission for Sonny to leave home and follow his dreams. When his brother was released from the Marines in 1953, Bobby and Sonny began their exceptional career together in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Beginning in October of 1970, the Osbourne Brothers were awarded with the number one Bluegrass Group of the Year for ten years in a row. The Osbourne Brothers have performed in various locations, including the White House and ranging to Harrah’s Club in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The brothers have worked with a vast array of bluegrass artists throughout their time. They continue to tour and play for their fans and always attract a huge audience of dedicated fans.

GWEN REARDON
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Visual Art  

Gwen Reardon was inspired by horses from a young age. She often visited horse stables with her father, a horse trainer and equitation instructor. Using only mud and straw, Reardon constructed little horse statues while visiting the stables. At the young age of five, Reardon became the state equitation champion. This award was only the beginning of a lifetime of achievement. Her success only became greater as she got older; however, her passion for horses was not limited to riding. Reardon would frequently draw horses, and soon her drawings became popular as well.

Reardon’s work is currently seen at Thoroughbred Park in Lexington, Kentucky. She has created life size sculptures of horses racing towards the finish line, as well as foals frolicking on the knolls of the park. Many smaller private museums, as well as the Kentucky Horse Park, also present her work. She has served on the Board of American Academy of Equine Art, Inc. and participates as a full member. Reardon lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she spends her days riding horses and enjoying her small farm.

Reardon has contributed a vast amount of diligent work into furthering the art and sculpture culture of Kentucky. She is well known and often recognized as highly successful within her area of talents. She has worked to establish a higher standard of excellence in the field of equine art within Lexington.  Her beautiful sculptures are breathtakingly remarkable and a delight to view as one drives through downtown Lexington.

GEORGE C. WOLFE
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Theatre  

George C. Wolfe was born in 1954 in Frankfort, Kentucky.  After graduating from high school in 1972, Wolfe left Frankfort with the hope of fulfilling his theatre dreams in California.  Wolfe received a bachelor’s degree in directing from Pomona College in Claremont, California. With a strong background in musical theatre, Wolfe developed into an established Broadway producer, director and writer. He has won countless awards for his dedication and work on such projects as “Angels in America” and is now held in highest respect as one of Broadway’s most esteemed producers and directors.

Wolfe has also based many of his works on the importance of cultural diversity. Growing up during a time of segregation, Wolfe realized the importance of recognizing various minorities.

“When you walk down the street in New York City, you don’t have permission to negotiate who you share your space with, you’re constantly colliding with rhythms and people and energies that are different from your own. I’m fascinated by the excitement and possibilities of living inside those collisions and crafting a theater that is reflective of that.”

George C. Wolfe has clearly demonstrated that he is not afraid of a challenge. Despite his humble Kentucky background, he emerged as an established Hollywood writer, producer, and director in a sophisticated New York City. Wolfe explains, “I have tried to create a space where artists can feel secure about their vision, a place they can emerge from stronger and tougher and braver than when they started.”

Wolfe has certainly illustrated that he has risen above adversity to accomplish his own vision.Wolfe has received countless awards noting his immeasurable talents displayed through his producing and writing. He has been honored with two Tony Awards as well as numerous other awards. Artistic Director, Richard St. Peter states that Wolfe has even been selected as a “living landmark” by the New York City Landmarks Conservancy. Wolfe recently resigned from the Public Theatre in New York City after a thriving 11-year period as a respected producer. He has moved from theatre to directing films and has illustrated a vast array of success in doing so. Wolfe has illustrated the ability to learn and adjust to different lifestyles, environments, and talents he entertains.

GEORGE ZACK
Awarded the Kentucky Star for Music

George Zack is a leader of Lexington’s arts community. He has been named Artist of the Year by the Arts Commission and Governor Paul Patton. Zack is a distinguished Maestro and has worked with the Lexington Philharmonic for more than thirty years. The music director and conductor of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Zack has demonstrated his ability to become directly involved with young musicians as well. He has worked across the country as a music director for youth orchestras and teaches conducting as well. Zack also hosts a weekly radio program entitled, George Zack’s Enhancement of Music on WEKU every Thursday morning.

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