RED FOLEY, COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAMER, HIS BOYHOOD HOME

STATE MARKER SIGN

I read this sign scratching my head. Why was I scratching my head? Because I was standing in front of the boyhood home of Red Foley where this state marker was placed -- only the dignity of the sign did not meet the dignity of the home. It had become an eyesore -- in my eyes not really a tribute to the man.

FRONT OF THE BOYHOOD HOME OF RED FOLEY

I read the other side of the state marker. It said, " SITE OF BOYHOOD HOME OF RED FOLEY." It continued with, " Born Clyde Julian Foley June 17 1910 and nicknamed "Red" for his red hair.

BACK SIDE OF THE BOYHOOD HOME OF RED FOLEY

I read on -- "Recruited by Chicago's WLS radio station to perform on Barn Dance 1931, renamed National Barn Dance and broadcast on NBC, 1933.

AN OLD SIX OVER SIX PANE WINDOW IS SURROUNDED BY A MAZE OF PEELING PAINT.

More info on the sign --- "Foley helped found Renfro Valley Barn Dance in 1938. Hosted Grand Ole Opry's "Prince Albert Show, 1946" And a few other attributes were mentioned.

FIVE TAPERED WOODEN PILLERS STAND WITH PEELING PAINT ON THE FRONT PORCH

I realized this man had a large impact on country music. He was elected to the Hall Of Fame of Country Music, and I found out on internet later that he had many successful recordings post World War II. In fact 25 million records of his were sold during this time. Click here to listen to one of his popular songs, Old Shep. Later in his career he got into acting and was, again, successful in this genre.

WEATHERBOARDING BREAKING AWAY EXPOSING THE BOX TYPE STRUCTURE

What happened to this house? Next to the house, about 20 feet away, is an empty storefront that was once was a grocery and feed store that belonged to Red's parents. According to my research they were a musical family. The storefront has been updated and appears in good condition. Only the old bay front store windows hint at its time as Red's parents store.

THE BAY WINDOWS OF THE FORMER STOREFRONT OF RED FOLEY'S PARENTS.

OLD "GRANDFATHER" TREES DOT THE LANDSCAPE OF RED FOLEY'S BOYHOOD HOME

The large lot where the empty house is located is rather country in feeling. As I stand in front of the home, I imagine the action that once abounded in the Foley household. Perhaps music drifting through the windows.

However, the house needs lots of work. If not done soon it will fall into extreme decline. Then it will be difficult to imagine it as a boyhood home of a famous musician that lived here with his family as he was nurtured with his talent and dreams.