Wade and Julia Mainer have enjoyed a number of historic milestones in their lives, but perhaps none more important than the one they plan to celebrate on Sunday, November 28th - their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Often referred to as the “Grandfather of Bluegrass”, Wade is largely credited with bridging the gap between old-time mountain music and bluegrass. His musical career began when he joined his brother's band “J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers” in 1934. Three years later, he married Julia Brown, a pioneering artist who was known at the time as “Hilbilly Lilly”. Julia and Wade have been performing together ever since.

Considered the oldest living banjo player, Wade Mainer recently turned 103. See a video from Wade’s 101st birthday.

Artist Dick Spottswood has just released a new book about Wade called "Banjo On The Mountain" Wade Mainer-My First 100 Years. It is available now at the Ernest Tubb Record Shops. Our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Mainers on this very special occasion!