Junior Marriott was the first fiddler who I heard play Benny and Bee’s Waltz and he played it beautifully. I was judging a fiddle contest that he played it in, and he knocked the ball out of the park with it.
I think you will agree that it’s a beautiful tune.
I have looked around online for a history of this tune, or at least some leads, and haven’t found anything beyond a handful of recordings. If you have any info on the history of this tune, leave it as a comment. 🙂
I wrote this song for a very special couple…benny and bea thommasson. played it for the first time at weiser Idaho while competing. I feel blessed that so many people have played it along the years. They were very special as anyone that knew them knows and that they loved the song when I played it for them truly made it theirs.
Thanks for the note, Brenda. It’s a beautiful tune and a heartwarming story.
Brenda, our band would like to record your song, Benny and Bea’s Waltz.
Is there a way to get in touch with you?
Gayle
Vi, Brenda Wallace who was a student of Benny wrote this waltz for them(Benny and Bea) When Benny moved to Washington state he stayed on there property in a home set up for them. Don, Brenda's Father moved Benny to Washington in an effort to bring his style of music to the northwest and to work with his daughter and other young players on the fiddle. I would say he was successful in that effort in the list of students influenced and taught by Benny while in Washington included not only myself but Mark O'Connor, Lorreta Brank, Brenda wallace and many many more.
very nice Vi and well said Joe.
Thanks for the Info, Joe. I really appreciate it!
Nice waltz.
Looks like the fiddle herd is thinned out some. Hope this means that the Strings Trader is doing well.
Thanks, Johan. Strings Trader is doing fine. This time, I just had the fiddles pulled down because I had taken them to a fiddle contest with me. 🙂
Fantastic musical performance !
Thanks, Michael.
Thanks for your help at the Salt Lake Chapter of the Utah Old Time Fiddlers last week. I’ll get this learned yet! Good to have had you come visit us.
You’re welcome, Katheryn! It was good to meet you, and I look forward to coming back to Salt Lake City again.