October, 2003
6    New poster from Roy Dick's collection added to our poster page--RCR in NY in 1977 and also an article from the 1993 Indy "Red Clay, Broadway" about Fool Moon's first Broadway run

September, 2003
23   The Red Clay Ramblers at 20.  Article and pictures from the Carolina Alumni Review, Winter, 1992 from the collection of Roy C. Dicks
16   Review of Diamond Studs from the Saturday Review 3/22/75 including picture of Madelyn Smoak and Tommy Thompson--"an excuse for some excellent bluegrass music."
14   Rambler fan Roy Dicks has been contributing items from his collection to our site.  Here are the first two from his Diamond Studs souvenirs:  Playbill from the original Ranch House production and an article "Will Success Spoil the Homefolks?"
10   Added more of Mike's pics of Sara Carter and family
1    In 1979, Jim Watson, Mike Craver, and Tommy Thompson were called to sing at Sara Carter's funeral.  Mike and Jim have written to share their memories of that time and inspired a whole new section on the connections between the Red Clay Ramblers and the Carter Family.  Besides the touching stories from the funeral, you'll find Mike's journal entries on meeting Sara Carter the first time, performing at the A.P. Carter Memorial Fest, and at the Cash-Crowell wedding reception at Johnny's house.

August, 2003
9    The original New York City Cast recording of songs from Diamond Studs and a second recording made the next year by the authors in the band Gravy Boat
2    Jesse's letters: Recovery - Duke Community Bereavement Services (August)

July, 2003
15   Red Clay Ramblers Chronology - year by year the short version of what the Blurs were up to
14   Nic Siler sent some great pics from his collection, 1976 Ramblers in Williamsburg and 1979 shots from The Prairie Home Companion

June, 2003
23   Lordy!  Three big RCR shows in a week.  Right on the heels of the big reunion show, Jim, Mike and Bill go to the Carter Family Fold.  Enjoy the pics from this magical place.
17   Jesse's letters: Invitation to the reception honoring the Red Clay Ramblers for being chosen Back Porch Music's Artists of the Year
17   Maybe the best show ever! See the pics from the Red Clay Ramblers Reunion at the NC Museum of Art.  While you browse, click the links to George Holt's program notes, Rambler bios, and Tom Ashley's acceptance remarks for RCR's Back Porch Music Artists of the Year Award.

May, 2003
19   Jesse's letters: Kanawha Valley (WVa) FOOTMAD donation in memory of Tommy

April, 2003
22   Jesse's letters: The Orange County (NC) Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in honor of Tommy.  We thank you and invite you to read the resolution in Jesse's April letter.  "Celebrate the outstanding creative, cultural, and intellectual contributions of Tommy Thompson's life."
1    Bill and Libby are touring through the Southwest and sending back pics.  Follow their trail.

March, 2003
28  We've moved the tribute site for Tommy Thompson to its new, permanent home.  We appreciate all who've visited and especially those who leave a note about their memories.
2    Jesse's letters: "Remembering Tommy" tribute at the West Bank Cafe, New York City 2/27/03.  We also added drawings Jesse did of herself and Tom Ashley to Jesse's Photo Album

February, 2003
28   Did you know that  the theme music for Roy Underhill's The Woodwright's Shop was from Merchants Lunch in the early editions of the PBS show?  You do now.  And how about this?  In 1985, the Ramblers recorded an 11-minute "Medley in C" that covered Always on My Mind, Whiter Shade of Pale, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Imagine, Dang Me, England Swings, I Started a Joke, To Sir With Love, Some Guys Have all the Luck, plus several more songs and 3 other tracks with Eugene Chadbourne.  All this info has been added to the Discography Page.
18   Jesse's letters: more pictures added to Jesse's page for her brother Tom Ashley's building and design company.  Choose her August, 2002 letter to see a beautiful wall from recycled materials.
15   Jesse's letters: "What is there for a daughter to say when Odysseus dies?... "  Jesse writes and shares a picture of her dad taken by photographer John Rosenthal.
12   Fans from all over are sending their picture memories of the Red Clay Ramblers.  We have new pages on Endangered Species 1972, Africa 1981, and a benefit for Tommy Thompson 1997
7     Fan and musician Michael Barker sent us some video screen captures of Tommy Thompson and Bill Hicks at Ivydale 1972, from the video "Morris Family Old Time Music Festival" by Bob Gates

January, 2003
30    "60 isn't nearly as old as it used to be" - Bill Hicks flashes this insight from his birthday party
30    In 1973, the newborn Red Clay Ramblers (Bill, Tommy, & Jim) played at Bobby Barrett's wedding--see some pictures courtesy of Bobby
25    Jesse sent us Tommy's obituary
24    After a long battle with an Alzheimer's-like illness, Red Clay Ramblers founder Tommy Thompson passed away.  The site homepage will be in memory of Tommy for awhile.  Please sign Tommy's guestbook with your memories.  This site is ours.
20    The O'Blurs return to the Down Home in Johnson City, TN.  You can almost be there with these pics