Wes Dorethy (right) has teamed up with veteran musician Larry McGrath for regular performances. McGrath has played with some exceptional musicians over his 50-year music career and says Dorethy is as talented and gifted as anyone.
“Yeah, I’ve kind of written the first actual happy
love song,” Dorethy said with a shy chuckle while petting Mr. President. “I mean at least it is to me. I don’t know if others will see it that way.” So you’re telling me you’ve never thought about
this stuff Like life after death, internal peace, and God
above Well I have, and I gotta say I don’t know much But just more questions that always lead to more
of such And I’m losing touch again Dorethy began his musical journey when his
grandfather, Duane Alvis, gave him a violin. Alvis played dobro and whenever Dorethy visited, he was drawn to the instruments in the home. “I was always kind of enamored by that,” Dorethy said. “He was a very big part of my life. The reason I play, I attribute to him.” That gifted violin led to lessons and ultimately to
an unearthing of extraordinary musical talent. Do- rethy plays guitar, piano, violin, mandolin and har- monica – all with a very high degree of musicianship.
He was a very big part of my life. The reason I play, I attribute
to him. Wes Dorethy Musician
ed much Just a man to hold your hand and a life that you
could love Well I don’t have everything but I’ll give all that I
have to you
But the long white line calls me You know there’s nothing I can do
Dorethy’s first musical ap-
prenticeship began at 13 when he started playing violin with Blue Dogwood, a bluegrass band out of Lakeview. “It was one of my biggest learning experiences playing with Gwen (Gwen Buege was the leader of Blue Dogwood),” Dorethy says. “I learned the importance of rhythm and timing and probably the most important thing when playing with other people, how to get
along.” So you’re telling me that you’ve never really want-
30 ❚ MARCH/APRIL 2019 ❚ LIVING WELL
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