Malpass Brothers receive Virginia “Ginny” Wicker award
April 7th, 2008 Webmaster
Taylor gives an acceptance speech after receiving the Virginia “Ginny” Wicker award that was given to the Malpass Brothers for their continued support of traditional country music. Sonny Rains, Miss Ginny’s grandson (right) presented the award. Taylor stated,”Me and Chris didn’t think there was anybody who liked traditional country music more than us, until we met Miss Ginny back stage during one of our shows here at the JCC.”
Here’s the press release info:
Christopher and Taylor Malpass received the first annual Ginny Wicker Music Award Friday, April 4, 2008 at Johnston Community College’s Country Music Showcase in Smithfield, NC.
Wicker was one of the first folks sitting at the table that developed the idea of the Country Music Showcase at Johnston Community College.
Born in Kenly, NC in 1922, she was a local talent who managed to bring her love of country and gospel music to the people of Johnston County. She even hosted her own radio and television show entitled “The Ginny Wicker Home Folks Show.”
Wicker became a regular cast member of the Country Music Showcase and a beloved entertainer to many. Audience members will forever remember her by her original and often quirky songs such as “Sleeping Double on a Water Bed,” “Honky Tonk Joe and Flo,” “Christmas in Heaven,” and “Keep On Keeping On.”
The award was presented by Wicker’s grandson, Sonny Rains. Rains stated “his grandmother recognized the same intense and burning desire to play, sing, and preserve traditional country music in Christopher and Taylor that she possessed.” Rains added, “The country music family of Johnston County has been truly blessed to witness the development of the tremendous talent of the recipients of this award. We eagerly anticipate each success and milestone in their careers. The vision and dedication of these young men and their family serves as an inspiration that goes far beyond the performance stage. There could be no more fitting recipients of the first Ginny Wicker Music Award than Chris and Taylor Malpass.”
The Malpass bothers received a beautiful crystal obelisk award and a check in the amount of $500.00.
