JARVIS, JOHN DILL “J.D.” (1924-2010)

J.D. Jarvis was born in Clay County, Kentucky, but wound up in Hamilton, where he became the foremost exponent of bluegrass gospel music in southwestern Ohio. He began recording in the early 1960s on the Ark label in Cincinnati, where his songwriting ability and primitive vocal style made him a favorite with many transplanted Appalachians. Some of his best-known songs are “Take Your Shoes Off, Moses,” “I Am the Man, Thomas,” and “The Hyden Miners’ Tragedy.” He recorded for Ark, Jewel, Sagegrass, Rural Rhythm, Melody, Sunrise, and his own Nation Wide label.