Otis Barker - The Smyth County Jam is honored to welcome Otis Barker to our venue! Mr. Barker ministers to Lincoln Hill Baptist Church in Marion. He has been there for the last sixteen years. Mr. Barker says he has been a minister for forty years and played music for about forty-five years. He and his wife , Linda, have two children: Otis Jr. ("Odie") and Lisa Wolfe. Otis Barker and Linda live in the Adwolfe area. He is retired from Marley Mouldings and says he farms a little. He says he plays banjo, as well as guitar, and is a very good singer. He and Mrs. Barker and sometimes , Lisa, sing and play together. Lisa can reach the high notes with what seems great ease! Lisa plays piano and dog-house bass. Once in a while Otis Jr. will join the group. Some times Tommy Reedy also sings and plays with them. Tanner Wolfe, the youngest grandson, is eager to learn to play guitar. He comes to the jam with his grandfather, this is a great place to observe and learn. Will Barker, the oldest grandson, plays bass. There is music all through this talented family. Otis Barker says his father played claw-hammer banjo. The two granddaughters; Kalisha Wolfe and Katy Barker, are both some what interested in playing the fiddle. Mr. Barker says his favorite musicians/singers are Mac Wiseman and The Country Gentlemen. He has several favorite songs, one of which is "This House" and another which contains this line..."Lock Me up in Prison." We hope the Barkers will return to the Smyth County Jam often.
