James "Buddy" Chandler
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James “Buddy” Chandler has gone by the nickname “Buddy” since he was a small boy. His father told everyone, “This is my little Buddy.” Today, everyone calls him Buddy Chandler.
Chandler’s mother and Uncle Jim introduced him to music. His mother played the harmonica and his Uncle Jim played the guitar, of which he taught to “Buddy.” His family would gather on the porch or in front of the fireplace to play their instruments and sing. Chandler’s love of music also came from watching the Grand Old Opry. When Chandler entered high school, he joined the Glee Club and Drama Club. He also joined the high school marching band and played the bass horn and trombone. A friend of his, Jack Dycus, formed a rock & roll band where he would sing lead or harmony. The band performed at many functions and won a talent contest. This allowed them to perform on the Noel Ball Saturday Showcase. After Chandler married, he joined a church band playing the guitar, singing harmony or lead on special songs. He also joined the Fairview Bluegrass Boys, where he learned to play upright bass. They played at the Bluegrass Inn, Beagle Club and Foxes Den. In addition, they appeared at the Athens State College Blue Grass Festival. During his 18 years with the bluegrass band, he began playing with the Gospelaires. While playing in both bands, he met Marie Love. Love encouraged Chandler to join one of her country music bands playing bass. The band was known as the Misfits and performed at different venues. They won a talent contest sponsored by Hewgley’s Music Store. Later, he joined another band started by Love, Southern Reign, which became quite famous. They considered signing a contract with Tree Publishing. |
At this time, Chandler’s wife became ill and he stopped playing. Later, Jack Dycus invited him to return to the band. During one of the practice sessions, he met Charlie Garner. Over time, Chandler became a strong country music fan. Garner started a country music radio show known as the Grinders Switch Hour. Garner wanted Chandler to tell jokes like Minnie Pearl did.
Chandler became well-known for his humor. The American Cancer Society staged a show called Hee Haw and Hewly. On the show, he appeared as Brother Buddy. When the show had Grand Old Opry night, he would dress as String Bean. The company Chandler worked for sent him to California for a year. When he returned, the producer of the Grinders Switch Hour, Mickey Bunn, invited him to return to the Grinders Switch Ensemble to sing and play the guitar. He has been there ever since. While playing with the Grinders Switch Ensemble, he has shared the stage with Doyle Grisham, Darin Cochran, Rick Hanes, and Ray Welch, just to name a few of many. Chandler has been involved in the following genres: rock & roll, gospel, bluegrass, and country. When asked what type of music is his favorite, he answers, “All of them!” In Chandler’s spare time, he likes playing golf, building balsa wood airplanes and enjoying classic cars with his son. He has always tried to be the person that everyone likes. It is very important to him to please his savior Jesus. His words of wisdom are “love your neighbor” and his favorite saying is “Jiminy Cricket!” |