Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans will be honored at the fourth annual Chattanooga History Makers luncheon Nov. 18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

The award, presented by the Chattanooga History Center, recognizes local individuals or groups who have made contributions to Chattanooga, the state or the country.

Center officials said in a news release that this year's honorees were chosen for contributions they have made to regional music as cultural preservationists and entertainers.

The Dismembered Tennesseans were organized in 1946 from a group of McCallie School classmates and have played continuously for 63 years. Mr. Bright said the original bandleader was classmate Sammy Joyce.

As young bluegrass musicians, Mr. Bright and friends searched out opportunities to study the music that had captivated them. There was little written music to pick up in a music store, and learning involved listening to the radio and records. Often, the fast tempo made it impossible to figure out what the musicians were doing, so Mr. Bright said he met with noted musicians in Tennessee and Virginia.

In selecting the Dismembered Tennesseans for this honor, the center is commending them for 63 years of performance that has contributed to the continued development of traditional regional music.

"During those years when traditional music receded in public consciousness, a persistent few like Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans kept it from fading completely," center officials noted.

If You Go

* What: Chattanooga History Makers awards luncheon.

* When: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18.

* Where: Chattanooga Convention Center.

* Admission: $45 per person, $500 and up for table sponsorships.

* Phone: 265-3247.