Audio recording of Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, and Luster Willis speaking with Charles and Janice Rosenak

This recording features three artists.

First, Chuck Rosenak records his conversation with Jimmy Lee Sudduth at the artist’s residence. Sudduth’s wife, Ethel, can also be heard on the recording. Towards the end of the recording there sounds as if there is another man speaking [his voice is designated by a “?” in the transcription] Throughout the conversation Chuck Rosenak sounds as if he is commenting on the various pieces of artwork around the home, perhaps looking to purchase a piece. For his part, Sudduth is eager to show Chuck Rosenak the various natural materials he uses to make his art, such as mud, sugar, berries, rock, and dirt. At one point in the interview, he recounts the tragic story of how his grandson drowned. He discusses, with pride, how his art has made him famous, offering him the opportunity to be on his local television station and travel to Washington D.C. Sudduth ends his conversation with Chuck Rosenak by treating him to some jaw-harp (harmonica) music.

Second, Chuck and Jan Rosenak interview Mose Tolliver at, what sounds like, an art fair or gallery exhibition. During the conversation, Tolliver explains that he started painting after his legs were injured while he was working for a lumber company. He also talks briefly about his artistic process and materials.

Third on this tape is a conversation with Luster Willis. This recording was made, presumably, at his home. A TV can be heard in the background, making this recording difficult to hear in parts. In this short interview, Willis talks about his drawings, walking canes, and being discovered by William Ferris.