Joe and Rose Lee Maphis a.k.a. Mr & Mrs Country Music were one of the finest husband and wife duos in country circles back in the 1950s and 1960s. Their best known song is probably "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music)", subsequently covered by the Flying Burrito Brothers, Dwight Yoakum and many more.
Fortunately their own married life was much happier than the one that is depicted in today's songs, and they were together until Joe's death in 1986. Rose Lee outlived him by 35 years, sadly leaving us late last year at the age of 98.
Joe had a parallel career as a picker for hire, working with the likes of Merle Travis, Johnny Burnette and Ricky Nelson to name but a few. His distinctive double-necked guitar can be found in the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Rose Lee worked as a greeter for many years.
"The Parting Of The Ways" - Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
"Dream House For Sale" - Joe & Rose Lee Maphis
Coincidentally a version of Dim Lights will be playing at a Blog near you shortly
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