Kirk McGee
Musician · 1899–1983 · Franklin, Tennessee
Best known for
Songwriter
Kirk McGee was a Tennessee old-time multi-instrumentalist whose career on the Grand Ole Opry began in 1926 and ran for more than fifty-seven years. With brother Sam he formed the McGee Brothers, one of the longest-running acts in Opry history, and he played in Uncle Dave Macon’s Fruit Jar Drinkers, Arthur Smith’s Dixieliners, and Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys along the way.
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- Born David Kirkland McGee on November 4, 1899, in Franklin, Tennessee, where his father was a noted local fiddler.
- Took up banjo at a young age and added fiddle and guitar; on stage he most often played banjo while brother Sam carried the guitar.
- Made his Grand Ole Opry debut with Sam in 1926, joining Uncle Dave Macon’s Fruit Jar Drinkers the following year.
- Played in the 1930s with fiddler Arthur Smith as part of the Dixieliners string band.
- Worked and toured with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys during the 1940s.
- Made the McGee Brothers’ last major duo appearance on the Opry in 1974; Kirk continued to perform on the program nearly until his death.
- Died of a heart attack on October 24, 1983, just days after his final Opry appearance.
