Virginia record label to reissue Sen. Robert Byrd’s 1978 ‘Mountain Fiddler’ album on CD

Virginia label to reissue Sen. Byrd’s 1978 album

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A Virginia record label plans to reissue a bluegrass album recorded by the late U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd.

The West Virginia Democrat was the longest-serving member of the Senate. He died Monday at 92.

The 1978 “Mountain Fiddler” album features Byrd performing old-time and bluegrass songs on fiddle, along with Country Gentlemen band members Doyle Lawson on guitar, James Bailey on banjo, and Spider Gilliam on bass.

County Records owner Dave Freeman says the reissue project had been in the works for about 18 months. The CD will be available nationally July 27.

Online:

County Records: www.countysales.com/