Expert: Dr. J. M. Allen - 12/6/2009

Question
Hello,
My husband's uncle is 82 years old and lives in Brookville Kentucky.  We went to see him yesterday and he was telling the story about his "big" trip to Cincinnati Ohio.   He parked in Newport Kentucky and walked over the bridge into Cincinnati to see a country/bluegrass performer with the last name of Penn.   He is a little hard to understand these days.   But his eyes lit up as he told the story.   He thinks it was about 15 years ago, but I am inclined to think it was in the 70's.   Penn performed with the Osmond Brothers and I think he said the Heywoods.   I have been surfing the Internet for hours and can't find anyone that it could be.    He sang some of the song that was his favorite, and forgot some words.   We would love to buy him the CD for Christmas.   Do you know who he could be speaking about?
Thank you,
Sandy

Answer
Wow, the problem is that back in the 30's-80's lots of small groups ran through the Cincinnati route on a regular basis. Do you remember any of the song? That might help "penn" it down. The only Penn I know of is a younger female bluegrass singer and I doubt that's who it is. Of course the old "Uncle Penn" was Bill Monoroe's uncle Penn VanDriver(sp?) who the song is about....
If you can remember any of the song e-mail be back and maybe I can come up with something.