Joseph Browning Fields was born in rural Wake County, North Carolina, on September 11, 1927. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1953, Mr. Fields became the band director of Lincolnton High School, earning Superior ratings all three years there. In 1956, Fields became the band director at Asheboro High School, where he remained until 1978, earning Superior ratings in each year of his tenure and beginning an unprecedented streak that lasted through 1985. Mr. Fields earned a Master of Arts in Music Education from Appalachian State University and, along with fellow Hall of Fame member, Hugh "Eddie" Harrington, built the foundation of one of the most reputable band programs in the state. Mr. Fields retired in 1978 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He passed away on August 1, 1985 in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Bio and photo courtesy of Phil Homiller.

Asheboro High School Facebook Page
In Memory of Mr. Fields