Biography of Tarheel Slim

A wonderful vocalist and capable, skilled guitarist, Tarheel Slim (born Alden Bunn) began singing and playing guitar during his childhood. His approach incorporated elements of the fingerpicking and Piedmont schools, notably conveying the influence of Rev. Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Boy Fuller among others. He sang in local churches in North Carolina before making appearances with The Gospel Four on WPTF radio in Raleigh in the late '40s, and touring with them from 1945 to 1950. He also toured with The Selah Jubilee Singers and made radio appearances with them. Bunn recorded with The Southern Harmoneers for Regal in 1949 and 1950, then moved to New York City. He made several club, radio and television appearances in the '50s, among them one on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. He toured with numerous acts, among them Sonny Terry, Ann Bunn and the Larks. He and "Little" Ann Bunn had a popular duo in the '50s, recording as "Tarheel Slim & Little Ann." Bunn's many recording sessions included dates for Apollo, Red Robin, Premimum, Aladdin, Fire-Fury, Apollo/Jubille, and Trix. There were also several festival and club appearances in the '50s,'60s and '70s. ~ Ron Wynn