Vicory Barker Tunstall
Crockett, Houston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(October 21, 1876 -- February 8, 1953) Born west of Crockett. A noted musician. Houston County District Clerk, 1918-22. A barber by trade. In boyhood, studied violin. At 16, began teaching. At 20, opened Tunstall Music House. Traveled East Texas 50 years with band that included his ten children. Founded World's Championship Fiddler's Festival, 1937. At 1951 state fair was proclaimed the Champion Fiddler of Texas. Married (1st), Emma Virginia English; (2nd) Mrs. Lillie Shanks.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born near Crockett in 1876, Vicory Barker Tunstall took up the violin as a boy and by twenty had opened his own music house. For half a century he traveled East Texas with a band that included his ten children, and in 1937 he founded a championship fiddlers' festival, being proclaimed Champion Fiddler of Texas in 1951. He also served a term as Houston County District Clerk.
Why it matters
Tunstall's long career preserved and popularized the fiddle traditions at the heart of rural Southern musical culture, passing them down through his own family and community.
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Related people
- · Vicory Barker Tunstall
Related events
- · World's Championship Fiddler's Festival
Themes & tags
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