NOTABLE ARKANSANS

NOTABLE ARKANSANS

STEVE STEPHENS AND CLYDE SNIDER

Special to the Democrat-Gazette

He was born in Greenwood, but was raised in Van Buren. As a teenager he became fascinated with music and engineering. He created an oddly shaped horn from a length of pipe and a whiskey funnel, and called it a bazooka. This so-called musical instrument, which some said sounded like a wounded moose, soon became his well-know trademark. He joined a vaudeville show and soon began performing throughout the South.

During World War I he joined the Marine Corps and formed a jazz band to entertain the troops. After the war he went to Hollywood. He got bit parts in movies and became an instant hit on Paul Whiteman's national radio program, telling humorous stories about his youth in Van Buren. As his popularity grew he starred in more than a dozen motion pictures.

His country bumpkin tales about "the kinfolks" in Van Buren embarrassed many Arkansans, who felt he contributed to a negative image of Arkansas.

Notable Arkansans is written by Steve Stephens and produced by Clyde Snider.

Who was this man whose instrument was the inspiration for the U.S. Army's nickname for the over-the-shoulder anti-tank rocket launcher, the "bazooka"?

Answer on Page 6E

Style on 01/13/2019

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