Today, July 16, marks the birthday of Gilbert Ray “Speck” Rhodes (born July 16, 1915), a beloved country music comedian and entertainer with deep roots in West Plains, Missouri.
Rhodes grew up in a musical family alongside his siblings—Slim, Dusty, and Bea—as part of the Junior Arkansas Travelers, later known as the Log Cabin Mountaineers, performing across the vaudeville circuit and on radio in Poplar Bluff during the 1930s. Renowned for his comic timing, Speck developed his signature stage persona during these early years.
In 1960, he joined fellow West Plains native Porter Wagoner on The Porter Wagoner Show, becoming a key member of The Wagon Masters. Known for his bass fiddle skills and witty routines—especially his famous “telephone calls” to “Sadie”—Speck charmed audiences nationwide on television and at the Grand Ole Opry. Rhodes worked with Wagoner for over two decades before retiring in 1996. He passed away in Nashville on March 19, 2000.
West Plains honors one of its most famous entertainers on this special day, remembering him for his humor, musical talent, and enduring contributions to country music comedy.
