LAIR, JOHN
(1894–1985)
LAIR, JOHN (b. J. Lee L., Renfro Valley, Ky., July 1, 1894–November 12, 1985) Lair was the influential scout and producer who helped build Chicago station WLS's influential NATIONAL BARN DANCE program and then founded The Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Lair was born in Renfro Valley, which is located about fifty miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, and remained devoted to its music and lore throughout his life. He began participating in amateur theatrics, and wrote a show, Atta Boy, that toured the…