[78-L] Hugh Ashley RIP

[Royal Pemberton]

I knew Hugh a little from his music store in Harrison, and I purchased
some of the equipment from his disused recording studio in the summer
of 2004.  He first recorded with his dad and another individual as
Ashley's Melody Makers or Ashley's Melody Men for Victor in October
1929.  The first records were recorded at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis
with Ralph Peer supervising; they were done with one mike that 'looked
like a can' (methinks a Western Electric 394-W/47-A combination), and
the banjo player had to sit in one corner of the room to avoid
overpowering him and his dad in the balances!

A terrific human being and a big loss.  Here's the best obit I can now
find, from Google:

Hugh Ashley, 93, died at his home in Harrison on Friday, Oct. 31,
2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Helen Restvedt
Ashley; three daughters, Gussi Causey of Jonesboro, Elaine McCutcheon
of Little Rock and Robin Howell and her husband Bill of Little Rock;
one brother, J. D. Ashley Sr.; six grandchildren, Chad Causey of
Washington, D. C., Joshua Cook of Jonesboro, Sydney, Micah, Noah and
Elijah Howell, all of Little Rock; and two great-grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bryant Ashley Sr., and
Gerald Ashley; and grandson, Brandon Causey.

Hugh was born Sept. 27, 1915, in Searcy County, the oldest son of
Hobart and Lillie Holsted Ashley. He was a gifted musician. At age 14,
he was flown to Hollywood to star in a radio show call The Beverly
Hillbillies. After graduating from Marshall High School, Hugh attended
the University of Arkansas, studying voice and piano. In 1934, he
returned to the West Coast for 15 years, working the music circuit.
Hugh's songs were recorded by Brenda Lee, Red Foley, Porter Wagoner,
Dinah Shore, Bill Monroe and Jim Reeves.

>From 1943-46, Hugh served in the Army Special Services. There he met
and married his wife, Helen Restvedt, who was a Red Cross volunteer.
They married in 1946, moved to Harrison and started with a small loan
and big dreams to open a little shop that became Ashley Music Store.

Hugh was a public servant, first as city councilman, as mayor of
Harrison from 1970-74, and then as state representative from 1976-80.
In 2005, the Democratic Party of Arkansas presented him the Chairman's
Heritage Award for his lifetime of dedication and service.

Hugh had a great love for the outdoors and every weekend looked
forward to going to the family farm in Searcy County. He was twice
named Arkansas Tree Farmer of the Year, as well as Outstanding
Southern Tree Farmer. Hugh Ashley was a man of tremendous integrity,
humility, talent, compassion and wit. He leaves a rich heritage and
legacy for all who knew him. Memorial service will be at First United
Methodist Church, 1100 W. Bower in Harrison on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 10
a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial
contributions to the Hugh Ashley Music Scholarship Fund, c / o Ashley
Music, 1510 N. Main, Harrison, Ark. 72601. Arrangements by Holt
Memorial Chapel.