Julia Mainer Dead at 95

Julia Mainer, wife and musical partner of late bluegrass musician Wade Mainer, passed away on Jan. 21 at the age of 95.

Her death came after a recent fall, from which she suffered fatal injuries.

Born Julia Mae Brown on March 13, 1919, Mainer rose to popularity under the name Hillbilly Lilly and became known for her singing and guitar playing. During her teenage years, Mainer performed at WSJS Radio in Winston-Salem, N.C., and was considered a pioneering female musical artist. She married Wade Mainer in 1937, soon after he formed his own band, and she played guitar and sang harmony for her husband in concerts and in recordings for 40 years.

In 1953, after Wade Mainer renewed his faith in Christianity, the couple left the industry for a time, only singing at gospel revival meetings -- a good fit for Julia Mainer, who specialized in gospel songs. They moved to Flint, Mich., during that time and began recording religious banjo albums beginning in 1961.

The Mainers recorded and toured together until 1973, when Wade retired. However, even after his retirement, they still performed at bluegrass festivals. The two were presented with the Michigan Heritage award in 1996, and in 1998, the couple was inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame.

Wade Mainer passed away on Sept. 12, 2011, and after four years of living without her husband, whom she called "wonderful," Julia Mainer joins him. They had five children together.

The Boot extends our sympathies to Mainer's children and other loved ones.

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