2014 Pickin' in Parsons Bluegrass Festival July 2014 | Page 13

As a founding member of The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, “Lonesome” Lester Armistead propelled both the comedy and the old-time music with his percussive jug blowing. His tenor singing recalled the late Bashful Brother
Oswald, Roy Acuff ’s longtime dobro player, from whom Armistead learned to sing and whose antique jug he
proudly played.
The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band has performed worldwide including performances on the Grand Ole Opry and as
regular guests on the Marty Stuart Show on RFD-TV.
Armistead and his late brother, Jack, performed extensively as a Country duet many years ago. The boys grew up
around Roy Acuff ’s Smoky Mountain Boys, as their dad co-owned a bait store with Howdy Forrester, who played
fiddle with Acuff.
A Tennessee native and retired printer, Lester lived on a farm in the Luton Community near Goodlettsville. On
the property stands an old country store which has been the site of many musical gatherings; a place where some
of the biggest names would gather for a comfortable, low-key jam, good food and conversation.
The singer’s son, Mike Armistead, also a member of the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, released the following statement: “There will never be another man who’ll measure up to my dad. He was an honest, hard-working farmer
and humanitarian who loved to dance and play music. Most of all, he loved his friends and family and especially
enjoyed being a grandfather. He was overall just the nicest person you’d ever meet and now, his journey is over.
Our family and the extended jug band family is grateful for the prayers and support of so many.”
Lester and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band has performed at Pickin’ in Parsons in the past and was a good friend
to the festival and a champion of old time music and tradition. We will miss Lester and his style.

Sometimes your Time of need comes at
the most unexpected time.
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Cheryl Thomas
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