Muhlenberg County, Kentucky Thumbpickin' Organizations 

This page is a tribute to all the thumb pickers, support organizations and supporters in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.  Historians have written that Muhlenberg County is where the "roots" of thumb picking style of guitar playing is from.  The most notable celebrity that was born, raised, and learned to play guitar in that area was the late Merle Travis - and was, of course, the first National Thumb Picker's Hall of Ffame inductee.  (Learn more @ "Roots" of Thumbpickin')  Schedule of Muhlenberg Events

There are basically three organizations that host pickin' events, and the Merle Travis Music Center where most of the events are held:  

National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame
Home of the Legends - Central City (web information)
The Four Legends of Drakesboro
Merle Travis Music Center

There are some of the nicest people on the planet out in west Kentucky.  We love visiting them and supporting their events, and we are enjoying the effort of researching information about these groups and we will make our finding available on this page, so check back often.  (Starting organizations in Muhlenberg County doesn't seem to be a problem - writing something down about their effort is less apparent .. We'll see what we can do about "shakin' the bushes...8^)

Schedule of Muhlenberg Events - Directions Around Muhlenberg County
(Pictures of Aug 2005 Weekend Bash) - (2008 Mose Rager Day) - (Pictures of 2009 Weekend Bash)

National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame (NTPHF)

The National Thumb Pickers Hall of Fame was organized and established in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky in November of 1997.  Organizers were thumb picker Eddie Pennington of Princeton, Ky, Judge/Executive Rodney Kirtley of Greenville, KY, and historian Bobby Anderson of Beechmont, Ky.

The purpose for the NTPHF is to honor and preserve the memory of those who practice, support and promote the art of thumb picking, and to preserve and promote its heritage.  It does this by by holding and elaborate induction service each year to honor various categories of living and deceased thumb pickers and supporters.  And, by financing and constructing a stage in Paradise Park (Greenville, Ky) and by purchasing many guitars to be place in schools in Muhlenberg County to encourage youth in their endeavors to learn to play the instrument.

Dues are $15 per year for a single membership, or $25 for a man and wife.  Mail should be addressed to NTPHF, C/O Joe Hudson, 220 Esor Circle, Greenville , Kentucky 42345 E-Mail: director@ntphf.com

List of Past Inductees       

Home of the Legends - Central City

This organization sponsors and holds an annual International Thumbpickin' Championship  and follows that up with a great evening show of international talent.  This event is usually held in late September every year - (check below for this year's schedule.)  The contest originally had only two categories: Thumb Picking & Open, but they have added a third, Contemporary, recently to embrace the newer thumb styles of Tommy Emmanuel and followers..  The contest is open to all - just show up at Paradise Park early the Saturday morning that it is held - and, "sign in."

Past Winners

Four Legends of Drakesboro

This organization was formed to keep the memory of three of Drakesboro, Kentucky's most famous and influential thumb pickers alive: Kennedy Jones, Mose Rager, Ike Everly (father of the Everly Brothers), and Merle Travis.  It is headed up by a wonderful lady by the name of Mary Rainwaters who is a native of Drakesboro, Kentucky.  She can be reached at (270) 476-8690  - However, at this time (09/2012) Mary's health has restricted her from hosting any of these birthday parties and/or tributes.  Maybe somebody out that way will pick up the torch she carried since 1986.