Homer A. Briarhopper


During his tenure as a master entertainer in the Raleigh, NC, region, Homer Briarhopper Drye ruled the radio, TV, and live entertainment at his music club. From his childhood days on the Briarhopper radio show to his legendary status as a singer, picker, MC, recording artist, DJ, and friend to all of the Grand Ole Opry members and Elvis Presley, Homer was the Man in North Carolina's capital city.

6 comments:

steve euto said...

Dear Uncle Homer,

Thanks for the enduring musical legacy. You remain an inspiration to me.

I've just completed a letter to you (not appearing here) in which I recalled the night you allowed me to perform with your band at a personal appearance in Rockingham, North Carolina. Your kindness that night meant a great deal to a star-struck adolescent; in fact, it was a significant emotional event that helped influence my determination to perform live music.

Thanks again, Uncle Homer.

God bless,

Stevie, aka Steve Euto & The Euto Train Wreck

Larry Mangum said...

I just had to follow up my cousin Steve Euto and say thanks for keeping the Brirhopper name alive. I had the pleasure of working a show with Uncle Homer as well. When we got to the show instead of having me come up as a guest, he said "Why don't you do a few and bring me up?". Wow! I actually have a cassette tape of that evening. Uncle Homer was a true gentlemen and one of the finest entertainers ever-he continues to inspire as I have him on my ipod-what a treat when his sweet voice pops up on my car radio!
Peace
Larry Mangum
Singer/Songwriter

Anonymous said...

First entertainmen show I remember as alittle boy growing up in Siler City, N.C.

Anonymous said...

As a kid I grew up in Worthdale.This was just off of Poole Road about 2 miles from the city limits of Raleigh.Homers club was about 4 miles out of the city limits.It later turned into a big body shop.I was to young to get inside but we hung out side and could hear the country music.The club was packed on the weekends.I watched his tv show and though it was cool he was close to us.Robert Simon.Age 56.

Anonymous said...

I was in the Army in 1963-65 at Fort Bragg,N.C. and use to go to Homer Brierhoffers on weekends.








Unknown said...

I recall when I lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina in the early 1960s. My mother would be ironing my father's Army fatigues, in the living room of our little house; and Mr. Homer A. Briarhopper was playing on the television set behind her. She would listen to the show the most mornings as she did her work. It was a time in America when life was good, you didn't need to lock your doors.
Thank you for those good memories, Homer!
Jimmy Coker

The Legendary Briarhoppers!

In 1934, a potential advertiser called WBT's Charles Crutchfield to ask if the station had a hillbilly band to help advertise its products. Telling a fib, Crutch said "Yes," which led to the birth of the Briarhoppers. The name comes from WBT announcer Bill Bivens who, during a hunting trip with Crutch, was startled by a rabbit jumping out of a thicket, and Bill yelled, "Look at that briarhopper!" At that moment, Crutch found the name for his hillbilly band.

The original band members were Johnny McAllister, Big Bill Davis, Don White, Thorpe Westerfield, Clarence Etters, and Jane Bartlett. The last original 1934 Briarhopper, Don White, died in 2003. Billie Burton Daniel, who joined the group in 1936, is happy and well in Wilmington, NC. Since that time, The Briarhoppers' fans are/were Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs (who filled in on banjo a few times), Curly Seckler, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and many other entertainment stars.

In keeping with the tradition, the band kept going through the years by adding new musicians to those who left the station or who died. Today, Alana Flowers and Tom Warlick head the band with their stage show including the old Briarhopper songs, new songs, and the original scripted commercials of Peruna, Kolor-Bak, Zymole Trokeys, and Radio Girl Perfume! Enjoy this site and learn about the Briarhoppers' storied past and the bright future that is ahead. Don't turn that dial...Hit's Briarhopper Time!