Country Music Roots

Country Music Roots and History - The Crook Brothers

2009-10-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Herman Crook and the Crook Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry while it was still the National Barn Dance all the way back in 1926 toward the very beginning. He had a sense of loyalty and integrity that gave him the reputation of being reliable and trustworthy with the Grand Ole Opry.

Twin Harmonicas led the way instead of the fiddle in the Crook Brothers band giving them a unique sound that was deeply rooted in the backwoods traditions of the Tennessee hills.

Interview With Herman Cook

2009-09-24T11:11:00.001-07:00

Top Resources for Aspiring Songwriters
Here are some resources to help songwriters develop their careers.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2202789/top_resources_for_aspiring_songwriters.html

Duet Dreams Come True Auction Supports ALS

2009-08-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Duet Dreams Come True Auction Supports ALS

There are a lot of country artists involved in this, so I thought I'd share it.

Duet Dreams Come True

This is a list of the contributors and their contributions.

Bill Engvall
2 Premium Tickets to a Bill Engvall show plus Meet and Greet (TBD - coordinated with winner), Meet & Greet passes and tickets must be used for the same show. Winning bidder will get to choose concert from available Bill Engvall Tour Dates. Concert tickets are for select dates only, and must be for a show prior to 12/1/2010. Travel not included. We will coordinate with winner for available tour dates after auction has completed. An Autographed 8x10 photograph, plus a CD and DVD package including: "Cheap Drunk: an Autobiography" CD, "Here's Your Sign" CD, "Here's Your Sign Reloaded" CD, "Now That's Awesome" CD, "Here's Your Sign: LIVE" DVD, "15 Degrees Off Cool" DVD, "Baitshop" DVD, "A Decade of Laughs, The Video Collection" DVD

Billy Currington
Autographed "Little Bit of Everything" CD, Autographed 8x10 photograph and Farm-style baseball trucker cap

Bucky Covington
Autographed White Bucky Covington T-shirt (Extra Large), Autographed self-titled CD, Autographed 8x10 photograph, keychain, stickers and temporary tatoo, plus One year Buckaneer fan club membership ($15 value gives access to meet and greet opportunities, full message board access, and member discounts in the online store!)

Carrie Underwood
Autographed "Carnival Ride" CD

Casting Crowns
Earth toned "The Altar and the Door" T-shirt (Medium), "Lifesong" CD and Autographed 8x10 photograph

Hatch Show Print Posters
Autographed Jonny Lang Tour Hatch Show Poster (12 1/2x22) and Autographed Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller Hatch Show Poster (13 1/2x22 1/2)

Josh Turner
Autographed "Everything is Fine" CD, Autographed 8x10 Photograph, mouse pad, Black T-shirt (Medium) plus One Year Fan Club membership ($25.00 value includes Exclusive member content, meet & greets, member discounts in the Online Store, access to pre-sale ticketing.

Kellie Pickler
Autographed self-titled CD, Autograph 8x10 Photograph and key chain

Lady Antebellum
Autographed 8x10 Photograph, Women's yellow T-shirt (Extra Large), Unisex Black T-shirt (Medium), "I Run To You" sheet music, stickers, refrigerator magnet, plus One Year Fan Club membership ($18 per year value includes Bonus content (video, forum access, etc) Meet and Greets, Pre-sales.

Leann Rimes
Autographed "Nothing to do but hang out with a friend and a glass of wine" cream women's T-shirt (Large), Autographed 8x10 Photograph and Autographed key chain.

Leann Womack
Autographed "There's More Where That Came From" Vinyl Album, Autographed burgundy baseball cap, Autographed "Call Me Crazy" CD, Autographed "LAW Tour" baseball style women's T-shirt (small)

Love and Theft
Autographed 8x10 band photograph and Beige band T-Shirt (Medium)

Montgomery Gentry
Autographed 8x10 photograph, Autographed T-shirt (Medium), "For The Heroes" Cracker Barrel CD, autographed magnet, key chain, 1 year "Underground" fan club membership ($25.00 value, includes behind the scenes content, including exclusive audio and video clips, photos, pre-sale ticket opportunities, online store discounts, meet & greet opportunities and more!)

Pam Tillis
Autographed "The Collection" CD, Autographed "Rhinestoned" CD, Autographed "Just in time for Christmas" CD

Peter Frampton
Autographed Epiphone EJ-200CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Rodney Atkins
Autographed "If You're Going Through Hell" T-shirt (small), Autographed 8x10 Photograph, Autographed Chevy Calendar, Autographed "It's America" CD, Autographed "It's America" sheet music

Sara Evans
Autographed 8x10 photograph, Autographed "Greatest Hits" CD, Stickers, 8x10 Photograph, One Year Fan Club membership ($25 value includes Exclusive member content, meet & greets, member discounts in the Online Store, access to pre-sale ticketing.

Sawyer Brown
Autographed knit shirt, Autographed 8x10 Photograph, Key chain, plus One Year Fan Club Membership ($25 per year value includes Exclusive Access to Sawyer Brown content!)

Sugarland
Autographed Deluxe Fan Edition "Love on the Inside" CD

Tim McGraw/Faith Hill
Tim McGraw Autographed "Stepping Up To The Plate" 11x17 poster, Faith Hill Autographed "Sunday Night Football" Cookbook, Tim McGraw and co-writer Tom Douglas Autographed "My Little Girl" sheet music

Toby Keith
Autographed "That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy" CD, Autographed Fan Club T-shirt (Extra Large) and Autographed "Beer for my Horses" DVD

Trace Adkins
Autographed "Dangerous Man" CD and Autographed Vintage style plain dark green T-shirt (Large)

Tracy Lawrence
Autographed Charlie Horse Natural color Cowboy hat (Medium), Autographed "The Rock" CD, Autographed 8x10 Photograph, Black and red barbed wire Tracy Lawrence bandana, "Sticks and Sones" White T-shirt (Large), Pink women's "Tracy Lawrence Strong" tank top (Large) and One year fan club membership ($15 value with full-access to all of TracyLawrence.com, Meet & Greet Opportunities with Tracy, CRAZY discounts on TL Merchandise(up to 47% off!!!), access to the FC Party, and member contests!)

Zac Brown Band
Autographed Green Vintage style T-shirt (Extra Large), Autographed "The Foundation" CD, Autographed Album cover (12x12) ,and Autographed 8x10 band photograph

Country Music Roots and History - DeFord Bailey

2009-08-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

DeFord Bailey was an African American harmonica player. Born just 40 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which was still the National Barn Dance, in 1925. He became a regular performer and eventually went on tour. Touring was difficult, as he was not allowed interaction with white fans. His accomodations had to be in the "colored" section of town. Still, black and white would come to hear him perform, and he drew large crowds everywhere he went. For a decade and a half, he was a consistent part of the Grand Ole Opry. He left the Opry in 1941. Still, his contributions will never be forgotten as he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Country Music Roots and History - Mother Maybelle Carter

2009-06-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Mother Maybelle Carter's fingers picked at the strings of her guitar in the most unique country style. It was unheard of at that time, but her style has certainly become a staple and a standard for country guitar pickers. She was also one of the earliest to introduce the guitar as a lead instrument in a country band. Not only did she define country guitar picking, but she played the auto harp and sang. Her teaching and guidance of her family led to a legacy that has touched so many lives in country music that the Carters are considered the first family of country music. Her influence over country music can certainly not be overstated, which is why she has been honored as part of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Country Music Roots and History - The Carter Family

2009-05-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

On August 2, 1927, the Carter Family made their first recordings, and began the career of a group that would influence Country Music and Bluegrass forever. The original group was composed of husband and wife "A.P." Delaney Carter and Sara Dougherty Carter with A.P.'s sister-in-law, Maybelle Addington Carter, who became affectionately known as Mother Maybelle. On May 27, 1928, many of the songs that would become Country and Bluegrass standards, including Wildwood Flower and Can the Circle be Unbroken, were recorded.

In 1943, Sara and A.P. separated and the group dispersed; however, Mother Maybelle performed with her daughters, Anita, June, and Helen, calling the group Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters. Due to their lasting legacy, the Carter Family was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.

The Carter Family Myspace

The original Carter Family singing "Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree"

Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters

Country Music Roots and History - Joseph Lee Frank

2009-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Country music is full of men whose names were repeated and recalled affectionately by adoring fans throughout the country; however, some of the greatest contributors to country music stayed behind the headlines. Joseph Lee Frank was one such country music pioneer. Joseph Lee Frank was among the first managers and promoters in country music. He helped country music go from insignificance to the "Grand". He helped such artists as the late King of Country, Roy Acuff, the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry, Joe's own brother-in-law, Pee Wee King, and many others. Though no one ever screamed as he stepped on stage or put his name in lights, his contributions to country music are insurmountable and must never be forgotten. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967.

Country Music Roots and History Sends Out a Prayer

2009-04-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Country Music Roots and History sends out a prayer for the Strait family in the loss of Buddy Strait, George Strait's brother. May God comfort and strengthen each member of the family during this time.

Country Music Roots and History - Charlie Poole

2009-04-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Charlie Poole, a North Carolina native born near the Virginia line, is considered the cofounder of the Grand Ole Opry. He was famous for a unique three finger banjo picking style brought on by a baseball accident. Charlie and his band known as the North Carolina Ramblers, recorded more than 60 songs for Columbia Records. This style went on to influence such greats in country music as Hank Williams Sr. and Bill Monroe. From 1925 to 1930, Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers entertained; however Charlie Poole's hard drinking lifestyle led him to a heart attack in 1931.

http://www.charliepooleonline.com/

Country Music Roots and History - Uncle Dave Macon

2009-04-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

David Harrison Macon, or Uncle Dave Macon, was born in 1871 in Smartt Station, Tennessee. He moved to Nashville at the age of 13. His interest in music got him involved in a Vaudeville circuit act. His comedic style and humorous antics accentuated his banjo playing and singing to make him a first rate entertainer. This "Dixie Dewdrop", as he was sometimes known, began playing for the benefit of others before he played for himself, playing to benefit such institutions as local churches, the Shriners, and the Nashville Police Department. In fact, Uncle Dave performed a benefit for the Nashville Police Department at the Ryman Auditorium, future home of the Grand Ole Opry.

On July 8, 1924, Uncle Dave made his first recording with a fiddling partner, Sid Harkreader. Over the next several weeks, they made a total of 18 songs. Over time, they were joined by guitar picker Sam McGee and Buck dancer Bob Bradford.

On December 6, 1925, Uncle Dave Macon and fiddler Jimmy Tompson played at WSM radio after being hired by George D. Hay. This Saturday night gig lasted twenty-six years and became the Grand Ole Opry. Uncle Dave Macon and Charlie Poole are considered the cofounders of the Grand Ole Opry.

http://www.myspace.com/noncdave

Country Music Roots and History - Ernest "Pop" Stoneman

2009-03-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ernest Stoneman, or "Pop" Stoneman, began playing as a child for enjoyment and to entertain friends and neighbors. He played several instruments, including the banjo, harmonica, guitar, auto harp, and jews harp. After hearing a record, he decided he wanted a career in music, so he moved to New York. He recorded a couple songs for Okeh records. They were not released at that time, but he did have the opportunity to do more recordings. Over the course of several years, he did more than two hundred recordings. On February 12, 2008, Pop was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

How do you know you come from a good hillbilly family?

2009-03-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

You know you come from a good hillbilly family when the first song you learn is Jesus Loves Me and the second song you learn is White Lightning.

Carson Robison

2009-03-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Carson Robison, sometimes known as Charles Robison, was considered to be the "granddaddy of the hillbillies". He started out whistling and singing for WDAF radio in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon moving to New York in 1924, he signed a recording contract with Victor Records and did many collaborations with Vernon Dalhart, including the famous first country hit "The Wreck of Old '97". Robison and Dalhart toured together from 1924 until 1928. From 1928 to 1931, he began singing on WOR Radio in New York City. It was not until 1932 that he formed his own band. They were initially called "The Pioneers" and then were renamed "the Buckaroos".

A Country Halloween

2009-03-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

My grandpa and his best friend, Allen, decided they were goin' outhouse tippin' for Halloween one year. They met before they were going to do their "dirty deed" and decided that they needed to go to every house in town, including their own, or everyone in town would know who did it. They went to every house in town, just as they had agreed. When they were done, they went on home. They hadn't seen a single soul.

When my grandpa got home, his dad was sittin' on the couch. "Where you been, boy? It's awful late," his dad said, looking at his watch.

"Oh, I just went out goofin' off with Allen for Halloween," my grandpa replied.

"Well, I just got one thing to say about that," said his dad. "The next time you go outhouse tippin' you'd better make darn sure I ain't in it."

Country Music Roots and History - Vernon Dalhart

2009-03-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Vernon Dalhart was named Marion Try Slaughter when he was first born. He got the name Vernon Dalhart from two towns in Texas that he worked in the general area of. He played the jews harp and the harmonica. He took singing lessons at the Dallas Conservatory of Music. In 1924, Dalhart recorded "The Wreck of Old '97" for Victor Talking Machine Company. The national record success of this recording aroused the interest of Recording Companies in Country music. It was the first country hit with nationwide success. Over time, it sold more than 7 million copies. Due to the number of stage names that he used, it is unknown how many recordings he actually did, but it was believed that he was the most recorded artist of his time.

Country Redneck Humor

2009-03-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

A little boy went to visit some relatives during summer vacation. His mamma told him it was very important while he was gone to remember to pray when he ate because all the food he would ever eat came from Jesus.

When he saw what he was having for dinner one day, he folded his hands and closed his eyes and said, "Dear Jesus, next time could you please give me something that tastes good. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

Country Music Roots History - Samantha Bumgarner

2009-03-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

Samantha Bumgarner, affectionately known as "Aunt Samantha", lived in a time when women stayed home and took care of children. They cooked and cleaned. They did the menial tasks that were all to often taken for granted. Samantha was special, though. She had an incredible passion fo music, which she came by honestly. Her father was an accomplished fiddler named Has. She learned to play the banjo and the fiddle, though she did not own a fiddle of her own until after she was married. She often played with Eva Davis, and together, they were the first women to record country music.

Here are some links to learn more about Samantha Bumgarner.

This is an article that the Bumgarner family helped with.

http://www.thesylvaherald.com/B-Full-Sam-workout022201.htm

This is an article on women in country music.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/farawayhills/women.html

This has a link to some of Aunt Samantha's music.

http://folktunes.org/artists/samantha_bumgarner

This is a link to some of Aunt Samantha's music at rhapsody.

http://www.rhapsody.com/samantha-bumgarner

This article has some good pictures.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=18579047

Country Music Roots History - Fiddlin' John Carson

2009-03-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

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".

Country Music History Roots - AC "Eck" Robertson

2009-03-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

AC Robertson, also known as "Eck" Robertson, was one of the very first artists to create a country recording. His dynamic "country dance" style set a standard by which fiddlers would be measured throughout country music history. One of his first recordings was "Sallie Gooden", which was recorded in 1922 for Victor Records.

Learn more about Eck Robertson on myspace!