Welcome to State Of The Union, appearing each month in bluegrass now magazine! This column provides the spouses of professional bluegrass musicians with a forum in which they can share their insights, observations, and experience with fans and other bluegrass spouses.

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March 2003: Leon Copsey on HOW TO BE A RIGHT-HAND MAN

To devoted fans of the Lewis Family, Leon Copsey is a familiar sight. He has kind eyes and a pleasant smile, and silver hair that's often all but hidden by a ball cap. His gentle voice and demeanor belie the importance of his role in Georgia's first family of gospel music.

“My life before the Lewis Family was taken up by being postmaster in Bowersville, Ohio, a small town with a population of about 400,” Leon says. “My first wife was a bluegrass fan. She got me going to shows.” The couple enjoyed the music of the Lewis Family and many others.

In 1989, Leon's first wife passed away. His daughters encouraged him to attend bluegrass shows again, and he began chatting with Polly, the middle sister of the Lewis Family, when he'd see her perform. He learned that Polly had lost her first husband, Elzie Williamson, in 1984.

Then, in August 1990, Leon accompanied his daughter drove to a show in Georgetown, Ohio. “On the way down, she says, 'Pa, why don't you ask Polly out for supper?'” Leon recalls. “I said, 'What makes you think she'll go?' I had to get my nerve up!”

Leon found the courage to invite Polly out, and she consented. “That was a thrill, because I kind of looked up to her, being so popular. We got our supper and came back to the show. I will never forget it. That is the night that I fell in love with Polly.”

A whirlwind courtship followed; three months later, Leon retired from the post office in Ohio, moved to Lincolnton, Georgia, and married Polly. “We didn't waste much time!” he chuckles. “Once we knew we were in love, that's all it took.”

Shortly after he married into the Lewis Family, Leon fell into a role that formerly had been handled by an aging Mom Lewis: manning the record table at shows and festivals. He took the role seriously. “Every time they did a song, I'd write it down, and try to find out which recording that song was on. I had to be prepared for people coming to the table, saying 'I want THAT song!'”

Some of the most important work Leon does involves support with fulfilling orders for merchandise. “Polly and I pick up the mail, go through the orders and get the products ready to go. Miggie and I wrap 'em up, and in the afternoons, Polly and I run it all to the post office. It keeps me busy!” He also helps with the family's annual holiday mailing of about 1500 pieces.

Clearly, Leon understands the importance of his role as Polly's right-hand man. He's happy to support the work of his talented wife-he even helps out with household chores! “I've had to adapt a little bit. A lot of men come to the table to talk to those girls! But I was cognizant of that before I ever thought about getting married to this lady.”

Visit Leon, Polly, and all the wonderful Lewis Family online at www.thelewisfamilymusic.com