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Roy Lanham was an American country and country-jazz guitarist, born on January 16, 1923, in Corbin, Kentucky. He passed away on February 14, 1991, in Camarillo, California. With a career spanning over fifty years, Lanham began his musical journey in 1939 when he auditioned for country music star Archie Campbell. After receiving his parents' permission, the 16-year-old joined Campbell's troupe the very next day. He later moved to WNOX Radio in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he became well-versed in jazz standards. Lanham was a member of the Whippoorwills, performing in every episode of the Smiley Burnette radio show. As a studio musician, he contributed to the debut recordings of Chet Atkins ("Guitar Blues," 1946) and Loretta Lynn ("I'm a Honky Tonk Girl," 1960), and he played rhythm on the Fleetwoods' 1959 pop hit "Mr. Blue." He also played with the Sons of Pioneers for 25 years, from 1961 to 1986. Lanham earned respect from fellow musicians, including Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Barney Kessel. Journalist and historian Rich Kienzle noted Lanham's unique contribution to music, highlighting his harmonically rich style that combined single-note passages with luxuriant chord melodies. His innovative four-part harmonies for chord solos were a personal development that

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