The Westport Kids

American family plus folk country band out of Missouri. The group was started by the Ruf brothers--Dave G., Henry, and Thomas Ruf and the original members were the sons and daughters of the three. Searching for activities to do for their kids, they came up with the idea of a family orchestra. They chose the name The Westport Kids in honor of the area where their grandfather had settled the family in Missouri. [Ages listed from 45 sleeve of unknown year for reference, most likey from 1954-7] The family included (in order of birth): Cathy (14), Hank (13), Christine (12), Betty (11), Davie (10), and Bobby (3). Dave G. Ruf's children: Bobby, Davie, and Christine; Henry Ruf's children: Betty and Hank; Thomas Ruf's child: Cathy. Later, the group added Marvin Bredemeier, a 15 year old fiddler to the group. The Westport Kids became veterans of radio, television and stage. They appeared on most of the radio stations in the Kansas City area, and had numerous appearances on TV. They appeared on all the Saturday night barn dance shows in the area. Recording and the family record label Westport soon followed.