At the Museum: The Alabama Ramblers

Published 10:47 am Thursday, June 29, 2023

There are many unique and fascinating objects and subjects within the walls of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives located in Athens. Each item has its own story and place in our nation and county’s military history. The museum has knowledgeable volunteer guides to explain the significance of the artifacts and individual heroes featured in this local treasure. Here are just a couple of the many stories waiting to be told inside the museum.

Alabama Ramblers

Among the military uniforms and equipment on display at the museum, one display stands out for being a little bit different– two vinyl albums and a framed photo of the Alabama Ramblers. Known as “The band that played their way across Korea and back,” the Alabama Ramblers featured several musicians from Athens.

One of the band’s members, Dale Casteel. He spoke to the News Courier in 2008 and explained that when Company B, 143rd Engineering Battalion left Athens for Korea, several carried their instruments along. The intent was to keep themselves entertained but soon after arriving in Korea, the talented musicians formed a band– The Alabama Ramblers.

According to Casteel, it was Jerry McGivney, of Athens who “took hold of the reins and began getting everything together and lining everyone up.”

The band played country music and would perform at night after working all day.

“Many shows were performed in a variety of places, and the band really enjoyed entertaining,” said Casteel. “It appeared that the crowds truly loved the band and our music. However, we were the only show in town so it was The Alabama Ramblers or nothing.”

The boys of The Alabama Ramblers began recording their music as well as messages to family back home. They would send the tapes they recorded home to their friend Bob Dunnavant who owned the Athens radio station WJMW. He would deliver the messages to the family and play the music for listeners.

While their music was being played in the states, the Alabama Ramblers began playing in several places in Korea, including field hospitals.

“Many shows were performed in a variety of places, and the band really enjoyed entertaining. It appeared that the crowds truly loved the band and our music. However, we were the only show in town so it was The Alabama Ramblers or nothing,” Casteel said. “I am very proud to have been a very small part of this band, whose members served their country with pride and honor and then with their music. Just maybe, somewhere across America, someone that served in Korea during this time can recall the ole country band from North Alabama called The Alabama Ramblers and smile.”

Casteel recalled the times the band would play at field hospitals. He said, “The patients and nurses treated us like we were big stars. The group knew that they had touched a heart when tears could be seen rolling down one’s cheek. Perhaps the music and words would cause one to reminisce about loved ones or home and for just a moment forget about the danger that lurked around them.”

One of the greatest compliments the group of musicians received was from country superstar Hank Williams.

“Hank Williams heard the tapes that had been sent to the radio station and the group received word that Hank liked the music and wanted us to appear on his show on the Grand Ole Opry,” said Casteel. “However, before the men could return home, Hank Williams was fired form the Opry and died shortly afterwards.”

Casteel said George Naope, the only professional in the bunch, had a band or orchestra at home in Hawaii and played a role in one of Bing Crosby’s movies.

The Alabama Ramblers had many members throughout their time in Korea. 129 musicians from across the country played a role in the band. Several members were from Athens, including: Casteel, J.W. Hudson, who sang the song he wrote called “Away From You,” performers Richard McElyea and Jerry McGivney, Fred Clem on Mandolin, Robert Grigsby on harmonica, Robert “Catfish” Allen, and Charles Adams.