Inducted 1992 VERNON SOLOMON
Felix Vernon Solomon, the first child of Ervin and Beulah Solomon, was born December 23, 1924 in Kaufman County, Texas. He and his two younger brothers; Norman and Dewayne,grew up in an atmosphere of fiddle music played by their father, as well as their grandfather and many other notables, Major and Louis Franklin, Red Williams and Red Steely who made him his fiddles.
On July 6, 1947 Vernon married Ruby Bragg, whose sister Betty Bragg later married his brother Norman. Vernon and Ruby had four sons: Mike, Ricky, Stephen and Terry. Mike, an accomplished fiddle playing champion, was killed in the Vietnam War. Ricky has been playing with Red Steagull, Ray Price and Reba McEntire bands. Stephen played several years with Box Car Willie. Terry who plays the fiddle, electric bass and rhythm guitar. With so many family musicians, the Solomons' performed as a band - known as "Solomons’ " Championship Fiddling" Throughout appearances, Vernon made easy-going comments and with the Solomons excellent style, captivated their audiences.
Vernon enjoyed fiddling because of the many great people whom he met and enjoyed making music with. In 1968, he and Norman were selected to represent the state of Texas at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. at the annual FolkLife Festival. In 1972 he won the Grand Masters Contest in Nashville and judged at The Weiser Idaho contest and contests in Oklahoma. Vernon Solomon and his family lived in the Fort Worth community all their lives and gave tremendous influence to the state of Texas as well as nationwide. He retired to Decatur, Texas after 44 years of service at General Dynamics in Fort Worth. Just a few short months ago fiddle lovers throughout the country were greatly saddened when Vernon met his untimely death in an automobile accident. His contribution and influence in the art of fiddle music will never be forgotten. He gave us so much.