Kenneth Threadgill

Kenneth Threadgill (September 12, 1909 – March 20, 1987) was an American country singer and tavern owner, who mentored the early Austin folk music scene that included Janis Joplin.

[2] Threadgill and his wife, Mildred (Greer), ran the restaurant and tavern until World War II, when they closed for a few years.

By the mid forties Threadgill was selling soft drinks and beer while his friends played and sang hillbilly blues.

In the mid fifties groups of local musicians were coming every week to play, and Threadgill would pay them with two rounds of free beer.

Janis Joplin, who by this time was a major star, had been in Hawaii the day before, canceled a $15,000 appearance to fly to Austin for the occasion.

[2] After Mildred's death in 1974, Threadgill closed the club and later sold it to Eddie Wilson, the owner of Armadillo World Headquarters.

In September 1981 "Silver Haired Daddy" with Renee Best, Steve Mendell, Bill and Bonnie Hearne and Johnny Gimble was released on Armadillo Records.

[7] His work showed the early influences of Jimmie Rodgers ballads and Al Jolson movies, which were could be seen in his singing and dancing.