Scottsville Squirrel Barkers
About Us
Ed is a San Diego native who has owned and operated over seven music shops in San Diego, California.
In 1961 Ed and two buddies, Larry Murray and Yuris Zeltins, opened his first guitar shop. Ed named the shop “The Blue Guitar,” inspired by a Wallace Stephens’ poem. The Blue Guitar is still in operation and Yuris is still there repairing guitars. Ed and Larry have moved on to other ventures.
Soon after opening the guitar shop, Ed and Larry formed a Bluegrass band with Kenny Wertz, Gary Carr and a 17 year old kid named Chris Hillman. Ed named the band “The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers” and the legend began. They were the first Bluegrass group to play in San Diego.
1961 to 2009—48 years later: Yuris is a nationally known luthier and a highly skilled guitar craftsman. Larry Murray’s fame came from forming the band, “Hearts and Flowers;” he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers’ Comedy Hour, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, and many more.
Kenny Wertz gained fame from playing banjo and singing tenor harmony with “The Flying Burrito Brothers” and singing with the “Country Gazette” as well as being a tenor singer with many country bands.
Gary Carr—unfortunately, died in his 40s and we still miss him.
Chris Hillman—was a founding member of “The Byrds,” “The Flying Burrito Brothers,” and the “Desert Rose Band.” He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is still performing in concerts with Herb Pedersen as a country duo.
Ed Douglas – has been in and out of the construction business as a General Contractor. He has owned and managed seven guitar shops in San Diego. He still plays bass at Squirrel Barker reunions and plays music in local music festivals. He is retired now but still does instrument repair and leather work in his shop behind his home.
Bernie Leadon—in the early days of the Squirrel Barkers, Bernie used to play with them. He went on to be one of the founding members of the “Eagles.” Bernie, who now lives near Nashville, still plays with the Squirrel Barkers at their reunions.
Scottsville Squirrel Barkers Reunion – Spring 2009
Left to right: Chris Hillman, Kenny Wertz, Larry Murray, Ed Douglas, Bernie Leadon.
Contact Us
Mailing address:
The Double Eagle
PO Box 16825
San Diego, CA 92176
Email address: the2eagles@hotmail.com
Links
www.chrishillman.com
www.bernieleadononline.com
www.sandiegotroubadour.com
