in 1944, joe went into the u.s. army. his musical skills landed him a gig entertaining the troops around the world. maphis was discharged from the army in 1946. on his return to the states, he began playing on wls radio in chicago. in the late 1940s he returned to richmond, va. and the old dominion barn dance until the early 1950s. during this period maphis met many country music stars of the day who played the same circuit including merle travis. while in virginia, he also met the musically talented rose lee (doris) schetrompf, his future wife. maphis and schetrompf, of clear spring, md., were married in 1953. a talented vocalist and rhythm guitarist, rose backed joe onstage throughout the remainder of his career.