Cortez Grand Old Opry
Vanishing Culture Project
The "Vanishing Culture Project" was a Florida Humanities Council grant to capture the oral histories of longtime residents of Cortez. The project also produced several stations about the folkways of the fishermen of Cortez that are placed around the village and a mural painted on the side of a prominent fish house in the community.
National Capital Contracting
Richard Culbreath is a member of the Culbreath family from Cortez, Florida, and is associated with the Cortez Grand Old Opry. His contributions to the local music scene are notable, and he plays an integral role in the preservation of regional musical traditions. Leo Galle, hailing from Biloxi, Mississippi, is a musician who collaborates with the Culbreath family. Ray Bach is from Myakka City, Florida, and also participates in the musical activities of the Cortez Grand Old Opry. Goose Culbreath is recognized as the last surviving member of the original Cortez Grand Old Opry and has significant historical importance within this musical community.
Scope and Content Note
The interview documents a casual and collaborative rehearsal session among Richard Culbreath, Goose Culbreath, Leo Galle, Ray Bach, and other unnamed musicians. The discussion focuses on the preparation for a performance at the Cortez Grand Old Opry. Topics include the logistics of rehearsing without prior practice sessions, the spontaneous nature of their musical arrangements, and the use of various instruments, such as banjos and fiddles. The interview also delves into technical details of instrument modification, such as the use of railroad spikes to adjust string tension. There is a recurrent theme of balancing musical quality and showmanship within limited time frames during performances. The narrative captures the dynamics of their interactions, humor, and shared commitment to traditional music. Additionally, the interview provides insight into specific songs they plan to perform, their techniques, and personal anecdotes.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.