From 1961 to 1981, millions of viewers tuned in every Friday for The Porter Wagoner Show. While the program’s main draw was ostensibly its namesake country star host, Wagoner insisted on the show as a collaborative effort between the guests and members of his band. During the ’60s, fiddler Mack Magaha was a crucial piece of that band. Known for his fiery onstage presence and flamboyant showmanship, many dubbed Magaha the “Dancing Fiddleman”.
Today, we’re diving into the life of legendary bluegrass fiddler Mack Magaha.
Who Was Mack Magaha?
Born in Honea Path, South Carolina, on this day (August 1) in 1929, Magaha got his start playing backup for Reno and Smiley.
Consisting of Don Reno and Red Smiley, the pair became one of the most highly-acclaimed bluegrass duos of the 1950s and early 1960s…