Uncle Bunt Stephens. Bedford, Tenn. 1879 – 1951. Was one of the great fiddlers of his era, eventually appearing on the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ as ‘The world champion fiddler’. Stephens had played harmonica for several years before he bought his first fiddle from a hobo at the age of eleven. He began playing dances soon after, and became one of the most popular fiddlers in the state. In 1926, while working road construction and occasionally farming his own land, he entered a fiddling contest sponsored by Henry Ford, and won the finals with his version of "Old Cacklin' Hen" and took home $1000 plus a new car (Ford also paid to have Stephens' teeth repaired). Stephens began recording for Columbia just over a month after winning the contest, and he eventually released four sides, "Candy Girl"/"Left in the Dark Blues" and "Louisburg Blues"/"Sail Away Lady." He also toured the eastern United States, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry several times, and played on many regional radio programs. He never recorded again, though he continued to perform around Tennessee during the 1930s and '40s
Way down the old plank road - Uncle dave macon. 1926. Harry Smith Anthology.
Uncle Dave Macon. - A true originator. Warren County, Tennessee. 1870-1952.
Moved to nashville in 1883, where his parents ran a Hotel. He took up the banjo at age 15, & was taught by a number of vaudeville performers that stayed at the hotel whilst passing through. His father was stabbed to death outside the hotel so the family moved out of the city & his mother ran a stage coach rest stop near Readyville, Tennessee. He soon got married & moved to a local farm, where he also started up a haulage company called "Macon midway mule & wagon company". He took his banjo with him & entertained the people of the various towns he delivered to. (Not only was it essential produce that he delivered but also liquor). He went out of the haulage business with the advent of the car, & by about 50 years of age was starting to earn his living from music. In 1925 he joined the fledgeling "Grand ole opry" where he stayed for 15 years. He started making films in 1939. His nickname was the "dixie dewdrop".
Worried blues - Frank Hutchison. 1926. White country blues.
Frank Hutchison. - Raleigh County,West Virginia. 1897--1940. A truly original hillbilly.
Was predominately a blues player. Last recorded, in N.Y.C on 9.7.29. First recording was "Worried Blues" in 1926. He lived for much of his life in Logan county, West Virginia, a hard mining area for both blacks & whites. He played slide guitar, (possibly the first whiteman to be recorded doing so) using a pocket knife, which he learned how to do from a black railroad worker named Henry Vaughan, in about 1905. He learned 19th century songs from another black, Bill Hunt. By the early 20,s he was good enough to eke out a living from his music, by playing in mining camps, political rallies, cinemas etc. During the depression he played on riverboats on the Ohio river, before giving up music & settling down with his wife. He opened a store which was eventually burned down. he died of liver cancer in 1940.
Engine 143 - Carter family. 1927. Harry Smith Anthology.
(event happened in 1890)
Carter family. - Alvin Pleasant Delaney "Doc" Carter, Maces Springs, Va. (In the Clinch mountains). 15.12.1891 - 1960. Sara Dougherty, Wise county, Va. 12.7.1889(?) - 1979. Maybelle Addington,.Nickelsville, Va. 10.5.1909 - 1978. Virginia. With Jimmie Rogers, the first commercial Hillbilly/Country stars.
Sara, lead vocal & autoharp(a zither like instrument with felted wooden bars that formed chords); Maybelle, vocal & guitar; A.P, occasional fiddler & harmoniser. They auditioned for Ralph Peer at the famous "Bristol sessions" (see Jimmie Rodgers) in 1927 on the Virginia/Tennessee border. Although they never had a hit they sold consistently. Were popular on the radio & in their personal appearances. A.P. copyrighted all of the songs he wrote, plus some English & Irish songs that he did,nt!(although, he was responsible for collecting & preserving many very old songs that may have been lost without him.) Maybelle was Sara,s younger cousin & married A.P,s brother. They recorded for the Victor company, largest label from 1927 & from 1928 produced many best sellers, including, "Wildwood flower", " My Clinch mountain home", "Foggy mountain top". A.P. wrote these & many other C & W greats, including "I,m thinking tonight of my blue eyes" (variously recorded by others such as Montana Slim & Bing Crosby), & "Wabash cannonball". (see Roy Acuff). They sang of the importance of family & home, of good fellowship & old fashioned morality & of a peaceful, rural America which was rapidly fading. They were as renowned for their unique vocal style as they were for their musicianship (Maybelle,s "thumb-brush" guitar style was to be much emulated), it was their role as collectors & conservators of old time music traditions that was their greatest legacy. Sara & A.P. seperated in 1933 & divorced in 1939, although they still worked together. The group finally split in 1943, having recorded 287 sides; more than double jimmie Rodgers output. A.P. opened a store. Sara & her husband moved to California. Maybelle started "Mother Maybelle & the Carter sisters" with her daughters, Helen, June & Anita. Junes daughter, Carlene records as does husband, Johnny Cash,s daughter Rosanne.
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