BLUE GRASS CHAMPS

The Blue Grass Champs in 1956

L to R: Jimmy Case, Porter Church, Scotty Stoneman, Jimmy Stoneman, Peggy Stoneman and Donna Stoneman.

The Blue Grass Champs were formed in early 1955 by Jimmy Case and Scott Stoneman. Jimmy had been honorably discharged several months earlier at Andrews AFB, MD after serving 4 years in the US Air Force.

Scott discovered Jimmy Case performing at Jo-Dels Supper Club in Washington, DC. Scotty told Jimmy there was an opening for a band at The Famous at 12th and New York Avenue. On the next break Scotty and Jimmy walked up to the club and met the owner, Sanford Bomstein. After playing the following Monday night, (on a trial basis) Sanford hired the band and they played there for the next 3 years.

The original band was composed of Scott Stoneman on fiddle and vocals, Jimmy Case on acoustic guitar and vocals, Ray Cross (a Stoneman cousin by marriage) on electric guitar and Jimmy Stoneman on upright bass and vocals. A few weeks later Ray Cross was replaced by Donna Stoneman on mandolin. Porter Church joined the group in 1956.

The Blue Grass Champs auditioned for the famous Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts TV Show in 1956. A huge surprise came their way on July 13, 1956 via Western Union Telegram. They had been accepted to perform their talents on the show of July 30, 1956! National TV and they were ready! The Blue Grass Champs won the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts Show performing "Salty Dog Blues". Godfrey liked the group so much that he kept them on the show for two weeks instead of the normal one week. (Sanford Bomstein was their talent scout on the Arthur Godfrey Show.)

After winning they made numerous guest appearances on Jimmy Dean's TV Show at Turners Arena in Washington, DC. They worked with Patsy Cline, Roy Clark, Billy Grammer and Grandpa Jones and various other artists. They also appeared on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree in Wheeling, WV plus WARL Radio, Arlington, VA, and a weekly radio show on WEAM Radio in Fairfax, VA.

This is a copy of the telegram received by Jimmy Case confirming The Blue Grass Champs appearance on the Aurther Godfrey Talent Scouts. (Note the typo of the first sentence. It should have read)

YOU HAVE BEEN SET FOR THE SHOW OF JULY 30, 1956.

This is the first publicity picture of
The Blue Grass Champs taken in 1955.
L-R: Jimmy Case, Scott Stoneman, Jimmy Stoneman & Donna Stoneman

Sanford Bomstein introducing the Blue Grass Champs to Arthur Godfrey on July 30, 1956.

L-R: Scott Stoneman, Jimmy Case,
Jimmy Stoneman, Donna Stoneman and Porter Church performing "Salty Dog Blues" and winning the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts on July 30, 1956.

Publicity picture 1956
Back Row: Jimmy Case, Scott Stoneman,
Jimmy Stoneman
Front Row: Donna Stoneman, Peggy Stoneman

Scott Stoneman's National Champion Fiddler Award, September 3, 1956. It is signed by Freeland Mason, President, Warrenton Jaycees and Connie B. Gay, Master of Ceremonies.
(Certificate provided by Scott's daughter, Sandy Humphreys)

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

JIMMY CASE

After leaving the Blue Grass Champs in 1958 Jimmy Case formed a country band "Jimmy Case & The Cherokees" and began touring the world and playing at many military installations. Since 1975 Jimmy Case has owned Ace Productions, a full service booking agency now located in Portland, TN. In 1992 he formed Aaron Records, an independent record label.

DONNA STONEMAN

Donna was born in Alexandria, Virginia. She is a master at playing the mandolin. Donna has resided in Nashville for many years.

She is now a minister of the Gospel and has traveled to many foreign countries delivering her ministry. She enjoys interjecting the mandolin and her puppets in her performances at churches and Christian events.

JIMMY STONEMAN

Jimmy was born on March 8, 1937 in Washington, D.C.
Jimmy Stoneman retired and made his home in Nashville, TN with his wife Mary.

Jimmy passed away on September 22, 2002. His wife Mary died on August 8, 2003. They are buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Nashville, TN

PEGGY STONEMAN PETERSON

Peggy is still playing bluegrass music around the country. Peggy played dobro with the Blue Grass Champs for several years.

She has been happily re-married for years and now makes her home in Arizona.

SCOTT STONEMAN

Scott was born August 4, 1932 in Galax, Virginia. Scotty was a World Championship fiddler in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's.

Scotty Stoneman passed away suddenly at age 40 on March 4, 1973, in Nashville, TN. He is buried in the Stoneman Family plot in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville.

PORTER CHURCH

Porter Church passed away on August 18, 1995 in Fredericksburg, VA after a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife Betty, and son, Kevin Church.

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