Angel Band

Don Grooms 1930 - 1998

Don Groom was a Cherokee Indian and Florida songwriter. Born in Cherokee, North Carolina, Don later went on to study journalism and traught at the University of Florida in Gainesville. His songs are song at festivals and campgrounds throughout Florida. He wrote songs about Native Americans, Florida and about being a good human being. He was appreciated for his original songs, as well as his wit, humor and sincerity.

Cousin Thelma Boltin 1904 - 1992

Thelma Ann Boltin
Cousin Thelma Ann Boltin, was director and emcee of the Florida Folk Festival for 30 years, an institution that she helped found in 1952. Boltin was actively involved in the field of folklore for over 40 years, helping start smaller festivals like the Heart of Florida Folk Festival, held in Dade City. She served as the chairman of folk music for the Florida and National Federation of Music Clubs and was the recipient of a national award from the American Association for State and Local History for "contributions to preservation and popularization of Florida folkways, folklore, and folk music."

James Gamble Rogers 1937-1991

James Gamble Rogers, IV
January 31, 1937 - October 10, 1991

"The stories I tell are all true except
the few that are obviously whimsy."

Will McLean 1919 - 1990

The late Will McLean is best known as Florida's premier folk song writer. McLean was born in 1919 near Chipley, Florida. He spent most of his life in the woods and writing songs. McLean's love of music was nurtured by his grandfather who gave him his first instrument, a gourd and cornstalk fiddle with a horsehair bow. At the age of six, he wrote his first song, "Away O'ee."

Bill Wasel

Bill Wasel, FOLKSINGER

Bill Wasel crossed over on Jan. 29, 2007. The memorial gathering will be
held at 11 a.m., Saturday Feb. 10, at Weedon Island Preserve, St.
Petersburg. From 4th St N, turn east on 83rd Ave N, after crossing the
bridge take the first right, Weedon Island Drive. Address is 1800 Weedon
Island Drive NE, St Petersburg; 727-453-6500; www.weedonislandcenter.org .
Please bring your instrument if you'd like to contribute a song.

Per Bill's executrix, memorial donations may be
given to Friends of Florida Folk:

Friends of Florida Folk
Keith Snyder, Treasurer
337 East Hillcrest Street
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-7733