July 20, 2023

City, ETSU professor receive historical society excellence award

In June, the East Tennessee Historical Society presented Dr. Ted Olson, East Tennessee State University’s Department of Appalachian Studies, and the City of Johnson City with the Project Excellence award during the Awards of Excellence ceremony in Knoxville. East Tennessee Historical Society honors individuals and organizations whose projects aim to “preserve, promote and interpret” Tennessee history.

The East Tennessee Historical Society award recognizes the project that culminated in the Rich-R-Tone Records state historical marker located in Johnson City at 225 Commerce St.

"It is heartening to many people who love bluegrass music that the East Tennessee Historical Society has offered this commemoration of Johnson City's Rich-R-Tone Records as the world's first recording company expressly dedicated to documenting bluegrass,” Olson said. “James Hobart Stanton, the founder of the label, was committed to recording bluegrass before anyone else, and it is fitting that his pioneering work should be publicly recognized in the place he called home.”

Many notable bluegrass musicians were documented by Rich-R-Tone Records between 1946 and 1952. Among them were Carter and Ralph Stanley, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, and the Sauceman Brothers. The Rich-R-Tone label links Johnson City to a momentous period in bluegrass music history.

“Professor Olson’s work has been paramount in helping recognize the important historical role which Rich-R-Tone Records played in promoting bluegrass music and indeed the music of Appalachia” said Dr. Warren Dockter, president of East Tennessee Historical Society. “We at the East Tennessee Historical Society were very pleased to honor Professor Olson for his work.”

Multiple individuals were instrumental in achieving this accomplishment. Dr. Ted Olson, professor at East Tennessee State University; Keisha Shoun, public affairs director for the City of Johnson City; and Alan Bridwell, executive director of the Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association, proposed the Rich-R-Tone State historical marker. Their partnership led to the success of the project.

Additionally, Bear Family Records Founder Richard Weize’s inquiry into Rich-R-Tone (with a plan to issue a complete Rich-R-Tone recordings box set, a project still in preparation) prompted an international search for recordings led by Olson. Without this appeal, the historical marker and East Tennessee Historical Society Project Excellence award would not be realized.

Finally, James Hobart Stanton’s family contributed research that piloted the way for the state historical marker. With their documentation and the efforts of multiple individuals and organizations, the incredible story of Rich-R-Tone Records was disclosed, ultimately garnering formal recognition by the State and the East Tennessee Historical Society.

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