Kentucky gave the world Muhammad Ali’s lightning-fast fists, Colonel Sanders’ finger-lickin’ chicken, thundering horses at Churchill Downs, and yes—Abraham Lincoln himself, born right here in LaRue County. But ask just about anyone in Hodgenville what really lights up Saturday nights, and they’ll point you straight to the Lincoln Jamboree—72 years strong and still rockin’ the stage every single Saturday.This beloved tradition was sparked by the one and only Joel Ray Sprowls (gone but never forgotten), a farm boy from near Buffalo, KY, who walked miles to Mt. Tabor one-room schoolhouse and grew up dreaming to the sounds of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and the Grand Ole Opry. Forbes later crowned him “Immortal Talent” in 2013—and man, did he earn it.
In 1954, Joel Ray talked his Masonic Lodge into a little talent show to raise some cash. He emceed, booked the acts, and delivered a smash hit. The winning band? The Kentucky Rangers. They asked him to manage them on the spot. That same year—September 11, 1954—he bet big, rented the Cardinal Theatre, and the Lincoln Jamboree was born. Crowds poured in so fast they soon needed two Saturday shows (50¢ for adults, 25¢ for kids—can you imagine?).
By 1961 he’d built his own 700-seat theater. Then came the 1968 lightning fire—total loss. Did he quit? Nope. The Jamboree moved to a tent and never missed a Saturday. The new 842-seat house opened on the 14th anniversary to a sold-out crowd and standing ovation.A 90s restaurant fire? Sprowls barely escaped an explosion, moved it inside his Jamboree, and kept the music rolling. Through strokes, an aneurysm, and every doubter who said he was done—he came back to the mic every time.
Jay Henderson stepped up in 2018, took ownership during the 2020 pandemic, and made Joel Ray a promise: “Same show, same jokes, take care of Mary Lois, and don’t forget to remind folks—tomorrow being Sunday, attend the church of your choice.” He’s kept every word.
COVID tried to stop them. They fought back with drive-in shows on semi-truck beds and live radio on ABE 93.7. The restaurant & jamboree reopened in August 2020—now the restaurant runs 7 days a week.
Joel Ray left us on December 5, 2020 (a Saturday, of course). Hundreds lined the streets for his parade—fire trucks, led with Joel Ray and band members circling the square one last time. Everyone saw it: he was smiling. He got to come home to his Jamboree one more time.
Through fires, health scares, a 2023 wreck, and a brutal 2025 illness for Jay—the Jamboree just keeps coming back stronger. 2025 was a record-breaker: not one show dipped below 100 people all year.
Why? Because people still crave a real family night out. And Jay’s been bringing Nashville royalty back: Jeannie Seely, Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Fortune, T. Graham Brown, Gene Watson, The Bellamy Brothers, and more. The energy is electric.
owner, emcee, fiddler, and the guy you’ll spot in that “Pumpkin Suit” every fall
drums — associated with the Jamboree since 1968, former owner of the Legendary Guntown Mountain
56 years on piano and gospel that lifts the roof
Lou (since 1958!), Camille (since 1975), Robin, and harmony queen Jeanne Flanagan (“The Singing Binghams”)
lights, sound, tech wizard
waitress, cashier, singer, and everything in between
laid-back steel guitar king
bass & vocals (The Duet Master with Robin)
17 years old - the new voice everyone’s talking about
Joel Ray Sprowls (founder and chief for 66 years)
Charles Durham (62+ years on drums), Dell Shirley (harmony legend), Ron Browning, Becky Sue Bingham, Boogie Sherrard, Vicki Kidd, Jack Lewis, Cecil Pryor, Joyce Phillips, Bob Jones, Carlton Noel, Mike Ash, Danny Forbis, Ron Gaddis and so many more.
(founder and chief for 66 years)
(62+ years on drums)
