Violet Hensley is considered one of the oldest living links to country music’s past:
Age: 106 years old
Known by numerous names including the “Whittling Fiddler” and the “Stradivarius of the Ozarks,” Grand Ole Opry performer, actress, fiddler, and designated “Living Treasure,” Violet Hensley is likely the oldest living link to country music’s past. Born on October 21, 1916 to George Washington Brumley and Nora Springer Brumley, that would make her 105 years old.
She learned how to make fiddles from her father who made his first fiddle in 1888 using hand tools. Violet Hensley was married at the age of 18 and had nine children, but always found the time to pursue her passion for fiddle making. A Violet Hensley-made fiddle is considered a treasure and a masterpiece. It wasn’t until later in life when she began to be known as a performer, releasing three album, Old Time Fiddle Tunes (1974), The Whittling Fiddler and Family (1983), and Family Treasures (2004).
Violet Hensley also appeared on The Beverly Hillbillies (1969), The Art Linkletter Show (1970), Captain Kangaroo (1977), and Live with Regis and Kathy Lee (1992). She’s been featured in National Geographic and other periodicals, and she made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the tender age of 99 on August 6th, 2016.
