Photo Source: http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/jul/carter/
Text Source: Roughstock's History of Country Music
http://www.roughstock.com/history/begin.html
"Although
musicians had been recording fiddle tunes (known as Old Time Music at that time)
in the southern Appalachians for several years, It wasn't until August 1, 1927
in Bristol, Tennessee, that Country Music really began. There, on that day,
Ralph Peer signed Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family to recording contracts
for Victor Records.
These two recording acts set the tone for those to follow - Rodgers with his
unique singing style and the Carters with their extensive recordings of old-time
music.
photo source: www.texasheritagemusic.org/. ../jimmie_small.jpg
Known as
the "Father of Country Music," James Charles Rodgers was born in Meridian,
Mississippi on September 8, 1897. Always in ill health, he became a railroad
hand, until ill health caught up with him and he was forced to seek a less
strenuous occupation. An amateur entertainer for many years, he became a serious
performer in 1925, appearing in Johnson City, Tennessee and other places. In
1926, Rodgers and Carrie, his wife of 6 years, moved to Asheville, North
Carolina, and organized the Jimmie Rodgers' Entertainers, a hillbilly band
comprising Jack Pierce (guitar), Jack Grant (mandolin/banjo), Claude Grant
(banjo), and Rodgers himself (banjo).
Upon hearing that Ralph Peer of Victor Records was setting up a portable
recording studio in Bristol, on the Virginia-Tennessee border, the Entertainers
headed in that direction. But due to a dispute within their ranks, Rodgers
eventually recorded as a solo artist, selecting a sentimental ballad, "The
Soldier's Sweetheart," and a lullaby, "Sleep, Baby, Sleep," as his first
offerings. The record met with instant acclaim, thus causing Victor to record
further Rodgers' sides throughout 1927, including the first in a set of 13, Blue
Yodel # 1 (T for Texas)
(149k excerpt)
Rodgers, who died in 1933, never appeared on any major radio show or even played
the Grand Ole Opry during his lifetime. But he, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams
were the first persons to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961,
which is indicative of his importance in the history of Country Music.
Photo Source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carterfamily/filmmore/index.html
One of the
most influential groups in country music was The Carter Family (A.P., Sara,
cousin Maybelle, and others). The Carters first recorded for Ralph Peer for
Victor on August 1, 1927--the same day that Jimmie Rodgers cut his first
sides--completing six titles, including "Single Girl, Married Girl," at a
makeshift studio in Bristol, Tennessee, known as the Bristol Barn Sessions.
Sara and A.P. obtained a divorce during 1936, but continued working together in
the group, which now included Anita, June, and Helen (Maybelle and Ezra Carter's
three daughters) and Janette and Joe (Sara and A.P.'s children). From 1936-39,
the Family cut for Decca, and after that for Columbia and again for Victor. The
last session by the original Carter Family took place on October 14, 1941, and
the Family disbanded in 1943, having waxed over 250 of their songs and one of
their signature songs, "Sunny Side of Life"
(83k thumbnail) , recorded in 1928. Also included is a video clip from the
1950's of Maybelle's daughters June, Helen, and Anita who carried on this legacy
for more than two decades after the original Carter's left the studio."
