Guitar, Billy Lee Riley

 
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Guitar, Billy Lee Riley
Guitar, Billy Lee Riley
Guitar, Billy Lee Riley
Guitar, Billy Lee Riley

Guitar, Billy Lee Riley

Object number2002.415.07
Datec. 1954
MediumWood, Metal, Plastic
Dimensions17 x 42 in. (43.2 x 106.7 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
    DescriptionA c.1954 Gretsch 6185-6 electromatic archtop electric guitar used by American rockabilly musician Billy Lee Riley, a native of Pocahontas, Arkansas. The guitar is autographed "Thanks / Billy Lee Riley" in black on the lower bout. The body of the guitar is modeled after the Gretsch acoustic but features a DeArmond pickup installed in the neck position. There are two clear nobs on the body of the guitar and an electric jack attached with a hex nut and washer.

    Billy Lee Riley (1933-2009) was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and was an rockabilly musician, singer, record producer, and songwriter. He worked with many significant musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, the Beach Boys, and Sammy Davis Jr. He originally worked with Sun Records, but eventually started his own labels entitled Rita Records, Nita, and Mojo. Billy Lee Riley is known for his hits "Rock With Me Baby" and "Red Hot".
    Status
    Not on view
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