PBS-NC to Showcase 1950s Child Band in New Documentary

A new documentary titled “Voices from the Past: Jackie Butler and His Playmates” will premiere on PBS North Carolina on October 16, 2024, at 21:30. The film explores the story of a child band from Clinton, North Carolina, that gained local fame in the early 1950s. Directed by Denver Hollingsworth and produced by Mike Weeks, the documentary delves into the band’s unique contributions to the music scene during that era.

Jackie Butler, just eleven years old at the time, led the group, which recorded its first single on the Decoy label in 1951. Songs such as “Just Lookin’” and “Pa Ain’t Got a Cent (to throw away on groceries)” showcased a blend of humor and country charm, quickly winning over audiences in the region.

From Local Radio to Regional Fame

In a nostalgic reflection, Wade Hargrove, a former band member and now a retired broadcast lawyer, recalled the excitement in Clinton when the town got its first radio station, WRRZ, on April 5, 1947. The station marked a significant milestone in the community’s history, broadcasting with 1 KW of power and featuring a curious advertising mascot resembling tobacco leaves, a nod to the town’s agricultural roots.

Photographs from that time reveal the young band members dressed in their finest cowboy attire, proudly holding their instruments, including an EB4, the first Gibson electric bass guitar sold in North Carolina. The children not only performed live on WRRZ but also organized shows on their makeshift stage behind Butler’s house, aptly named “The Good Ole Opry.” Their Saturday night performances attracted large crowds from the community, showcasing their musical talents and comedic acts.

The band’s origins trace back to a school performance of “Hillbilly Fever,” which set the stage for their rise. They even took to the road, riding from farm to farm to sing jingles that promoted Clinton’s thriving tobacco market, further cementing their place in local culture.

A Lasting Legacy

As the years passed, the band members pursued various paths after graduation. Hargrove excelled academically, earning scholarships to UNC-Chapel Hill and then law school, while C.D. Carter attended college in Wilmington and established a successful business in Charlotte. Jackie Butler moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in pursuit of a music career, working as a disc jockey until his untimely death in the 1990s.

Notably, shortly after the documentary was filmed, Carter passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the film. His grandson, James Barbee, is a member of the Greenville-based band, High June, continuing the family tradition of music-making, albeit in a different style.

The documentary serves not only as a tribute to the band’s contributions but also as a reminder of the power of music to foster community and friendship. The story of Jackie Butler and His Playmates is a slice of North Carolina history that is now preserved for future generations, ensuring that their contributions to the local culture are not forgotten.

By sharing these stories, PBS North Carolina aims to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the region and highlight the enduring impact of community-driven artistic expression.