Red Rector

William Eugene Rector (also known as Red Rector) (December 15, 1929 - May 31, 1990) was an American Bluegrass musician who primarily played mandolin. He began playing in bands at the age of twelve and at thirteen joined the United States Navy after lying about his age, but was discharged after his true age was discovered. Rector played with J. E. and Wade Mainer in 1944 on the radio show The Old Chisholm Trail. He also played with musicians such as Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, Cisco Houston, and Lilly May Ledford. Clifton heard Rector playing at the Indian Springs Festival and joined him in a jam session. Clifton recruited Rector the next day to travel overseas. In 1974, he became part of the group Red and Bill along with Bill Monroe, recording music for several record labels in both Europe and the United States.