Some say it was written by John Denver, However , we know the song “Grandma’s Feather Bed” was written by banjoist Jim Connor, of the New Kingston Trio, based on a verse he wrote for his grandmother. Jim is from Sand Mountain Alabama and has been called the best clawhammer banjo player, ever. Denver first heard Connor playing the song in 1968. Connor played on Denver’s recording, and toured with the singer. The song “The Music is You” is a bonus track on the 1998 reissue of Rocky Mountain Christmas. On the cover, John is shown with his then-wife Ann Martell. Back Home Again is the eighth studio album by singer-songwriter John Denver released in June 1974.
Jim was a member of the Kingston Trio (1968-1973). Earlier he had formed a duo with Richard Lockmiller called Richard & Jim. They toured Europe and England with success; and recorded an album while in London. They also opened Barbra Streisand’s original New York Nightclub Show. During this time on the road, Jim wrote many letters to family and friends. Years later while cleaning out his banjo case he found a letter recalling the happy times with his eight cousins at Granny’s Boarding House. He wrote about the ‘feather bed’ they all slept upon and it inspired Jim’s song, “Grandma’s Feather Bed” which became one of John Denver’s greatest worldwide hits at the peak of Denver’s career in the 1970s onward.
Jim has played harmonica for Claire Lynch and for Linda Ronstadt on “Love Is A Rose” and has appeared in Specials with Dolly Parton, The Wayfarers, Judy Collins, and John Denver plus dozens more of Nashville and Hollywood Stars. He has multiple gold and platinum records for his songs and work with most of the above artists. In 2018, Jim was inducted into the Alabama Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
Jim attended Harvard College, West Alabama U., and Birmingham Southern. He and his wife Dr. Cynthia Connor, who is an associate professor at Jacksonville State University, love Mentone! In 1988 they were married at St Joseph Episcopal Church and their reception was at the original Mentone Springs Hotel.. Jim expresses the soul, heart and voice of our mountains.
