Many people are familiar with the story of Lesley Riddle, the guitarist and song composer who had a strong influence on the Carter Family, and helped shape country music with his distinctive finger picking and slide guitar techniques. But not many people are familiar with his “lost” years from 1974 to 1978, when he resided in Rochester, NY. In fact, it turns out that only one person could tell that story. Rochester musician, Nancy Park Drum, guitarist with the Pearlz Band is that person.
Back in the 70s, Riddle was a friend of the Park family (Drum’s maiden name). He became a mentor to Ms. Drum and even performed with her on occasion. When The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, VA. heard about Ms. Drum’s unique knowledge of Riddle’s last few years, they contacted her last fall and began working with her to tell the rest of his story.
Read about, The Night I Met Lesley Riddle, by Nancy Park Drum, posted on the museum’s website.