Joe Maphis

Biography

Joe Maphis, born May 12, 1921, in Suffolk, Virginia, was a virtuoso guitarist renowned as the 'King of the Strings.' He began playing guitar at age eleven, influenced by his father and uncle, and honed his skills performing in local square dance groups during the Great Depression. Maphis became a prominent figure in country and early rockabilly music, known for his dazzling speed, technical skill, and signature double-neck Mosrite guitar. He worked as a studio musician, contributed to film and TV soundtracks, and played with major artists, including serving as Ricky Nelson's first lead guitarist before James Burton.[3]

Larry Collins, born October 4, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, emerged as a child prodigy on guitar, mentored by Joe Maphis. Collins rose to fame as half of The Collins Kids, a brother-sister duo with his sister Lorrie, performing energetic rockabilly and country music. The Collins Kids became regulars on the influential 'Town Hall Party' TV show in the 1950s, thrilling audiences with their fast-paced guitar duets and youthful stage presence. Larry's style was shaped by both Maphis's mentorship and the R&B sounds he absorbed from late-night radio in Los Angeles.[1][2][5]

Together, Maphis and Collins recorded the album 'Fire on the Strings' (1957, Columbia Records), showcasing their twin-guitar virtuosity and blending bluegrass, rockabilly, and traditional country. Their innovative use of custom double-neck guitars and high-energy performances influenced generations of guitarists across genres. Maphis's and Collins's legacies endure through their recordings, their impact on the West Coast country and rockabilly scenes, and the musicians they inspired.

Fun Facts

• Larry Collins played a custom double-neck Mosrite guitar, modeled after Joe Maphis's iconic instrument.[1]
• Joe Maphis was known for his ability to play multiple stringed instruments, not just guitar, earning him the nickname 'King of the Strings.'[3]
• Larry Collins co-wrote the country hit 'Delta Dawn' (1972) and 'You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma' (1981), showing his influence as a songwriter beyond his early performance career.[1]
• The Collins Kids were among the first white acts to perform rock and roll covers of R&B songs on the West Coast, including at the Hollywood Bowl in 1955.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joe Maphis - Mentor to Larry Collins, teaching him advanced guitar techniques and stagecraft. (Fire on the Strings (1957), Town Hall Party performances) [1950s]
• Leon McAuliffe - Encouraged the Collins family to move to California, pivotal for their career start. (Guidance to The Collins Kids' early career) [Early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Lorrie Collins - Sister and musical partner of Larry Collins in The Collins Kids duo. (The Collins Kids recordings, Town Hall Party, Ranch Party TV shows) [1950s-1961, reunions in 1993-2018]
• Joe Maphis - Frequent collaborator with Larry Collins, performing and recording as a guitar duo. (Fire on the Strings (1957), live TV and stage performances) [1950s]
• Rose Lee Maphis - Joe Maphis's wife and musical partner; performed and recorded together. (Joe & Rose Lee Maphis recordings, Town Hall Party) [1950s-1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Dick Dale - Cited both Joe Maphis and Larry Collins as influences on his surf guitar style. (Early surf guitar recordings) [1960s]
• Don Rich - Buck Owens's guitarist, influenced by Joe Maphis's twangy leads. (Buck Owens's 1960s classics) [1960s]
• James Burton - Followed Joe Maphis as Ricky Nelson's lead guitarist, influenced by Maphis's work. (Ricky Nelson recordings) [Late 1950s]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Foggy Mountain Breakdown
2. Memories of Maybelle
3. Life's Railway to Heaven
4. Maple on the Hill
5. Night Train to Memphis
6. Devil's Dream
7. Me and Ol' Merle
8. Nine Pound Hammer
9. Joe Maphis' Blues
10. Lonesome Road Blues

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia