Wanda Barnett - Renfro Valley Entertainer

Wanda is no stranger to Renfro Valley. In 1982 John Lair hired her as a fiddler for the New Cook Creek Girls. She spent ten years playing with the all-girl group, first on the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and later in the Bluegrass festival circuit.

With the Coon Creek Girls, Wanda made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, toured the Eastern half of the United States, parts of Canada, performed on Bahamian cruise and recorded five albums.

Born in Harlan Country, Kentucky, Wando was raised in Southern Indiana. As a young child, Wanda studied piano and violin. In high school, Wanda's brother gave her a guitar and from that moment on, "I was hooked on singing and writing folk music," she said.

"I love being back at Renfro Valley." Wanda says, "I have so many memories of so many people here who are now gone on, of so many songs, of Mr. Lair, Coy Priddy, The Baker Brothers, dear Jim Gaskin and Bee Lucas playing with twin fiddles, The New Coon Creek Girls, and wonderful Ole Joe Clark always calling me (and every other girl, I bet) Purdy.

Wanda currently resides in Richmond, Kentucky.