The Barren County Historical Society presents Nancy Richey, historian and author, as she speaks on Barren County’s own “Cousin Emmy,” born Cynthia Mae Carver!
Before there was a Minnie Pearl, there was “Cousin Emmy.” She styled herself as the first hillbilly singer to own a Cadillac. She was born in a log cabin in Barren County but by the 1940s, she was one of the top performers on the radio. She headed her own group, “Cousin Emmy and her Kinfolks” at a time when there were not many solo female acts. She also had a brief career in Hollywood, appearing in films such as “Swing in the Saddle” and “The Second Greatest Sex.” Cousin Emmy could light up a stage and played almost two dozen different instruments. She was also the author of the classic bluegrass song, “Ruby.” With her independent success, she paved the way for other female musicians.
Don’t miss this FREE program at the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center!
