Country Music Roots History - Fiddlin' John Carson

Fiddlin' John Carson came from a family of farmers who lived in Georgia. He learned to play the fiddle on a Stradivari violin that had been brought to America from Ireland. He worked many different types of jobs during these years, including working in cotton mills and as a racehorse jockey. On the side, he would write down music and sell the music for a dime. He would also make extra money by playing for tips.

On April 1, 1913, the very first "Georgia Old-Time Fiddlers Convention" was held at the Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta. This event was such a success that it became an annual event. Carson came in fourth place in 1913; however, for seven years straight, Carson was dubbed the "Champion Fiddler of Georgia". He got together a band that he called "The Cronies", and they played throughout the Atlanta area.

In 1923, Carson recorded a two sided record for Okeh Records. It contained "The Little Old Cabin in the Lane" one one side and "The Old Hen Cackled and the Rooster's Going to Crow" on the other side.

Here is a YouTube video of John Carson performing the Tom Watson special.

John Carson's music still influences people today. Here is a youtube of Lew Dite doing a cover of "The Little Old Cabin in the Lane".