THE BUDDIES WHBF ROCK ISLAND

From some of the WHBF alums, here's the ID on the Buddies pic. Left to right, John Wilhelm, Curley Bray, Speed Foreman (in back), and Pat Maynard. - Dave Coopman, author of WQUA Radio 1230 Moline's Hometown Station.

Special thanks to Dave Coopman, author of WQUA Radio 1230 - Moline's Hometown Station for the scan of The Buddies WHBF postcard.

From www.hillbilly-music.com;

One of the long time entertaining groups over WHBF and WHBF-FM out of Rock Island, Illinois was the Buddies of the Airlanes, who started with them on March 15, 1946 and were still there in mid-1952.

Like many hillbilly entertainers back then, they started their day early getting up at 5:00am for their first program on the air - the "Mississippi Valley Jamboree" which was on at 6:15am. After a little rest, they were also on "Stump the Buddies" at 9:25am and again at 11:45am, Monday through Friday. They also had a television show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm.

The five member group (Verne Wilson appeared with the group only on their television show, however) provided a variety of entertainment from their varied talents. Paul Maynard, the bachelor of the group back then, played the accordion, piano and even organ. Speed Foreman was another popular member of the group, played the Spanish guitar. On the bass fiddle, you'd find the talents of Curly Bray. Verne Wilson provided some 'hoe-down' fiddle when the group did their tv show.

The Buddies of the Airlanes did a lot of good natured ad lib and spontaneous clowning on their programs and judging by the stay they enjoyed on WHBF, the listening audience enjoyed every minute.

Timeline and Trivia Notes

Group Members included:
Pat Maynard, accordion, piano, organ
Speed Foreman, Spanish guitar
Curly Bray, bass fiddle
Verne Wilson, fiddle (only on the TV shows)

Alger "Curly" Bray was a member of a number of "hillbilly" music groups during the first half of the 20th Century, most notably the Buddies of the Airlanes. The Buddies were a long-time entertaining group on radio stations WHBF and WHBF-FM out of Rock Island, Illinois, from March 15, 1946, to mid 1952.

Curly played bass fiddle for the Buddies, who had programs in the morning and the evening. Their programs included the Mississippi Valley Jamboree and Stump the Buddies. They also had a television show two days a week.

Minda Powers-Douglas, Curly's granddaughter.



From TV Forecast - early 1950's;


Named also this year as winners in the poll for the best local musical program, were the Buddies of the Airlanes. They appeared in their first television show in April 1951 and made an instant hit with owners of over 169,000 sets in the area. The Buddies have had the same sponsor since their TV debut.

Speed, Pat and Curley are beginning their either year with WHBF. Teaming up with Johnny Wilhelm the foursome makes music that sets toes tapping. On the TV screen with the buddies you see singer Lols Cobb, Guitarist Wayne Van Horn and announcer Don Wooten.

Curley Bray (christened Alger) tries to keep the Buddies "in line". He plays the big bass fiddle. Curley is the proud papa of three pretty daughters, Connie, 13, Sharon 6 and Cindy going on two. Son James is almost four.

Speed (Floyd Lloyd Foreman) plays the Spanish guitar. He has two sons, Donald 13 and "dandy" Randy, who has celebrated his second birthday. Speed's wife June is Curley's wife, Willa Mae's sister. The two couples planned secret weddings and were all surprised to learn that the ceremonies had taken place the same day and same hour but in different counties.

Pat (LaVerne Evan) Maynard is the bachelor of the Buddies. Pat is an accomplished musician playing organ, piano and accordion. He is also a composer and arranger. Pat hasn't strayed far from his old home town, hailing from near Viola, Ill. He likes to go "down on the farm" on weekends. Johnny Wilhelm is an expert on the electric guitar and banjo. He's had offers from Holly wood but so far has not yet yielded to the lure of the silver screen. Johnny's married and has two youngsters.

If you have any memories, film or pictures of THE BUDDIES or any live programming on WHBF, WOC or WQAD from the 1950's, 1960's or 1970's, please email me!

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