Dixie Archive

Taylor's Kentucky Boys

2011-11-02T21:22:00.001+01:00

Kentucky based group. Members included Jim Booker (fiddle), Marion Underwood (banjo), Willie Young (guitar). Recorded for Gennett (1927).

Dad Blackard's Moonshiners

2011-10-04T16:20:00.002+02:00

See: Shelor Family

Shelor Family

2011-10-04T16:18:00.000+02:00

Member included Jesse T. Shelor (fiddle), Pyrhus D. Shelor (fiddle), Clarice Blackard (piano/vocals), Joe B. "Dad" Blackard (vocals/banjo). Recorded for Victor (1927). Also recorded as Dad Blackard's Moonshiners.

The Shelor Family, ca. 1927

The Shelor Family, 1927. From left to right: Pyrhus Shelor, Dad Blackard, Jesse Chelor, Clarice Shelor

Jesse Shelor and Clarice Shelor (Blackard)

Dad Blackard

John Jasper Campbell

2011-10-04T15:49:00.000+02:00

John Jasper "J. J." Campbell (b. December 28, 1838, in prob. in Ripley County, MO - d. 1882), Missouri based artist.

John Jasper Campbell in the 1860s

Henry Whitter

2011-09-20T22:29:00.000+02:00

Henry Whitter (b. April 6, 1892, in Fries, VA - d. November 17, 1941, in Morganton, NC), recorded for OKeh (1923-1926), Paramount (1926), Broadway (1926), Herwin (1926), and Victor (1927-1929). Also recorded with G.B. Grayson.

Wylie Eoff

2011-09-20T22:11:00.001+02:00

Wylie Eoff with two unidentified musicians

Jimmy Wilson's Catfish String Band

2011-08-23T22:57:00.000+02:00

Members included Jack Gillis (fiddle), John Ed Harris (harmonica), Dick Fahrenwald (mandolin), Franklin Ward (banjo), Orin Potter (pipe), Charlie Potter (bones), Bob Dennis (guitar/vocals), Speedy Mouleer (bass). Regulars on KVOO (Oklahoma City, OK). Recorded for OKeh (1925) and Victor (1929).

Patsy Montana

2011-08-10T15:31:00.000+02:00

Ruby Blevins (b. October 30, 1908, in Hot Springs, AR - d. May 3, 1996), also known as "Patsy Montana," a regular on KTMR (Los Angeles, CA), with the Montana Cowgirls on KMIC (Inglewood, CA) and the National Barn Dance (WLS, Chicago, IL). Recorded for Victor (1932), Bluebird (1933), Conqueror (1935-1940), Vocalion (1935-1940), OKeh (1935-1940), ARC (1935-1947), and Decca (1940-1942). Also recorded after 1942. Also recorded with the Prairie Ramblers.

Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers

2011-08-10T14:14:00.000+02:00

Members included Tom Andrews (guitar), Gale Binkley (fiddle), Jack Jackson (guitar/vocals), and Amos Binkley (banjo). Recorded for Victor (1928).

The Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers at the Bijou Theater in Nashville, Tennessee, 1928. Left to right: Tom Andrews, Gale Binkley, Jack Jackson, and Amos Binkley

Sol Hoopii

2011-07-13T23:58:00.000+02:00

Solomon Hoʻopiʻi Kaʻaiʻai (b. 1902 in Honolulu, HI - d, November 16, 1953), also known as "Sol Hoopi." Recorded for Columbia, Decca (1933-1938) and Brunswick (1933-1938).

The Sol Hoopii Trio around 1928. Sol Hoopii (middle) with possibly Glenwood Leslie and Lani McIntyre

Kentucky Girls

2011-07-13T23:42:00.001+02:00

Members included Jo and Alma Taylor. Cincinnati, OH, based duo. Appeared on several radio stations around Cincinnati.

The Kentucky Girls around 1928

Ed Haley

2011-07-04T18:41:00.000+02:00

Ed Haley (b. 1883 - d. 1951), West Virginia artist.

Ed Haley, ca. 1930s

Sonny Boy Tommy

2011-07-04T18:36:00.002+02:00

See: Carlisle, Tommy

Tommy Carlisle

2011-07-04T18:31:00.001+02:00

Tommy Carlisle, son of Cliff Carlisle. Also known as "Sonny Boy Tommy." Recorded with his father for Bluebird (1936-1938) and Decca (1938-1939).

Jules Verne Allen

2011-05-10T00:44:00.000+02:00

Jules Verne Allen (b. April 1, 1883, in Waxahachie, TX - d. July 10, 1945), a regular on WFAA (Dallas, TX), WOAI (San Antonio, TX), KFI (Los Angeles, CA), and KNX (Hollywood, CA). Recorded for Victor (1928-1929).

Jules Verne Allen and his band, 1935 in San Antonio, TX. Back row: Curly Williams, unknown, Lonnie Williams, Ben McKay; front row: Jules Verne Allen, unknown

Clarence Greene

2011-03-11T13:26:00.000+01:00

Clarence Horton Greene (b. 1894 in North Carolina - d. 1961), recorded for Columbia (1927-1928) and for Victor. Also recorded with the Blue Ridge Mountain Entertainers and Byrd Moore and his Hot Shots.

Clarence Greene in 1940

Greene Brothers String Band in 1915, Clarence Greene (guitar) on far right

Lewis McDaniel

2011-03-11T13:25:00.001+01:00

Lewis McDaniel (b. 1907 in Floyd County, VA - d. 1998), recorded solo for the American Record Corporation (1930) and with Walter Smith for the American Record Corporation (1930) and Columbia (1930). Also recorded with the Carolina Buddies, the Dixie Ramblers, the Hawaiian Pals, and possibly with Patt Patterson and his Champion Rep Riders.

Carolina Buddies

2011-03-11T13:25:00.000+01:00

See: Buster Carter and Preston Young; Rorer, Posey; Smith, Walter

Crazy Tennessee Ramblers

2011-02-06T20:57:00.000+01:00

Members included Dick Hartman (guitar), Fisher ? (banjo), Harry ? (guitar), Pappy ? (fiddle), Curley ? (guitar). Regulars on WBT (Charlotte, NC) and the Crazy Barn Dance (WBT, Charlotte, NC).

Crazy Tennessee Ramblers at WBT (Charlotte, NC), early 1930s

Dr. Humphrey Bate and his Possum Hunters

2011-02-06T20:56:00.000+01:00

Members included at one time or another Dr. Humphrey Bate (vocals/harmonica), A.C. Womack (fiddle), Sewall Chenault (guitar), [first name unknown] Womack (banjo), P.D. Belotte (cello), Oscar Stone (fiddle), W.J. Barrett (fiddle), Walter Leggett (banjo), Staley Walton (guitar), Oscar Albright (bass). Members of the Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded for Brunswick (1928).

Dr. Humphrey Bate and his Possum Hunters, 1926. Dr. Humphrey Bate at far left.

Scotty Wiseman

2011-02-06T20:55:00.000+01:00

See: Skyland Scotty

Skyland Scotty

2011-02-06T20:54:00.000+01:00

Scott Greene "Skyland Scotty" Wiseman (b. November 8, 1909, in Ingals, NC; d. January 31, 1981, in Gainesville, FL), a regular on WMMN (Fairmont, WV) and the National Barn Dance (WLS, Chicago, IL). Recorded for Bluebird (1933) and the American Record Corporation (1934). Later teamed up with his wife as "Lulu Belle & Scotty."

Dick Justice

2011-01-20T13:36:00.001+01:00

Richard "Dick" Justice (b. 1906 in West Virginia - d. September 12, 1962), recorded for Brunswick (1929) and with Reese Jarvis.

Don Richardson

2011-01-20T13:36:00.000+01:00

Don Richardson (b. 1878 - d. 1953), recorded for Columbia (1914), Victor, Edison, Gennett, and Pathé. Although not a rural old-time musician, he is believed to be the first musician to record traditional old-time songs.

Toots Paka's Hawaiians

2011-01-20T13:35:00.001+01:00

Recorded for Edison.

Charlie Bowman

2011-01-20T13:35:00.000+01:00

Charles Thomas "Fiddlin' Charlie" Bowman (b. July 30, 1889, in Gray Station, TN - d. May 20, 1962), recorded for Columbia (1928-1929). Also recorded with Al Hopkins' bands.

Al Hopkins

2011-01-20T13:34:00.000+01:00

Albert Green "Al" Hopkins (b. June 5, 1889, in Watauga County, NC - d. October 21, 1932, in Winchester, VA), a regular on WRC (Washington, D.C.). Recorded with the Buckle Busters for Brunswick (1926-1928) and with the Hill Billies for OKeh (1925) and Vocalion (1926-1928).

Al Hopkins and his Buckle Busters

The Hillbillies, from left to right: Tony Alderman, John Hopkins, Charlie Bowman, Al Hopkins

Gene Autry

2011-01-03T18:08:00.001+01:00

Orvon Eugene "Gene" Autry (b. September 29, 1907, in Tioga, TX - d. October 2, 1998, in Studio City, CA), a regular on KVOO (Tulsa, OK) in 1929 and on the National Barn Dance (WLS, Chicago, IL). Recorded for RCA Victor (1929), Columbia (1929), the American Record Corporation (1929-ca. 1937), Decca (1937), among others. Also recorded after 1942.

Roy Acuff

2011-01-03T18:06:00.001+01:00

Roy Claxton Acuff (b. September 15, 1903, in Maynardsville, TN - d. November 23, 1992), a regular on the Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded for the American Record Corporation (1936-1938), Vocalion (1939-1940), OKeh (1939-1942), Conqueror (1939-1941), and Columbia (1938-1942)

Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys at WSM: Pete "Bashful Brother Oswald" Kirby, Jess Easterwood, Roy Acuff, Rachel Veach, Lonnie Wilson (left to right)

J.P. Fraley

2011-01-03T18:06:00.000+01:00

Kentucky based fiddler.

J.P. Fraley (right) with an unidentified person, ca. 1930s

Marshall Claiborne

2011-01-03T18:05:00.000+01:00

Hartsville, Tennessee, based artist. Placed second in the Nasvhille Old-Time Fiddlers' Contest in 1926.

Marshall Claiborne, ca. 1926

Eck Robertson

2010-12-23T14:06:00.002+01:00

Alexander Campbell "Eck" Robertson (b. November 20, 1887, in Delaney, ARK - d. February 15, 1975 in Borger, TX), a regular on he Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded solo and with Henry Gilliland for Victor (1922, 1929).

George "Shortbuckle" Roark

2010-12-23T14:06:00.001+01:00

George "Shortbuckle" Roark (b. in Kentucky), recorded for Victor (1928) and Columbia (1928).

Frankie Marvin

2010-12-23T14:06:00.000+01:00

Frank James "Frankie" Marvin (b. January 17, 1904, in Butler, OK - d. 1985), recorded for Brunswick (1928), Columbia (1928), Crown (1928), Edison (1928), and the American Record Corporation. Later appeared in several Gene Autry western movies.

Ernest Stoneman

2010-12-23T14:05:00.001+01:00

Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman (b. May 15, 1893, in Monorat, VA - d. June 14, 1968), recorded for OKeh (1924-1925), Victor (1927), and the American Record Corporation (1929). Led the Dixie Mountaineers. Also recorded after 1942.

Ernest Stoneman and the Dixie Mountaineers

Ernest Stoneman and the Dixie Mountaineers in Galax, Virginia, 1928. From left to right: Ives Edwards, George Stoneman, Eck Dunford, Ernest Stoneman, Hattie Stoneman, and Balen Frost.

Elton Britt

2010-12-19T20:24:00.000+01:00

James Elton Baker (b. June 27, 1913, in Zack, ARK - d. June 22, 1072, in McConnelsburg, PA), alias Elton Britt, recorded with the Wenatchee Mountaineers for the American Record Corporation (1933) and for RCA Victor (1937-1956). Also recorded for other labels after 1942.

Ernest Thompson

2010-12-19T20:23:00.000+01:00

Ernest Thompson (b. 1892 - d. 1961 in High Point, NC), recorded for Columbia (1924-1925) and Gennett (1930).

Ernest Thompson (center) with unidentified musicians

East Texas Serenaders

2010-12-19T20:22:00.000+01:00

Georgia Yellow Hammers

2010-12-19T20:20:00.000+01:00

Members included Bud Landress (banjo/vocals), Bill Chitwood (fiddle/vocals), Phil Reeve (guitar/vocals), Ernest Moody (guitar/vocals). Recorded for Victor 1927-1929.

The Georgia Yellow Hammers, ca. 1927. From left to right: Bud Landress, Bill Chitwood (front), Phil Reeve, Ernest Moody (back)

Coon Creek Girls

2010-12-14T23:50:00.000+01:00

Members included Lily May Ledford (banjo), Rosie Ledford, Susan Ledford (guitar), Esther Koehler, Evelyn Lange. Later members were Opal Ambergy (bass fiddle) and Bertha Ambergy (fiddle). Regulars on the National Barn Dance (WLS, Chicago, IL) and the Renfro Valley Barn Dance (Renfro Valley, KY). Recorded for the American Record Corporation.

Carter Family

2010-12-14T23:47:00.002+01:00

Members included A.P. Carter (guitar/vocals), "Mother" Maybelle Carter (guitar/vocals), Sara Carter (guitar/vocals/autoharp). Regulars on the Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded for Victor (1927-1934), the American Record Corporation (1935), Columbia (1940), Conqueror (1940), OKeh (1940), and Bluebird (1941). Also recorded after 1942.

Sara Carter (right) and her cousin Maybelle (left), ca. 1919

Carolina Tarheels

2010-12-14T23:47:00.001+01:00

Atlanta, GA, based group. Regulars on WSB (Atlanta, GA) and the Georgia Jamboree (WSB, Atlanta, GA). Members included at one time or another Claude Davis (vocals/guitar/fiddle), Hoke Rice (banjo), "Carolina" Clyde Kiser (guitar/harmonica), Rudle Kiser (vocals), Esther May "The Carolina Sunshine Girl" Davis (guitar), Chuck Rogers (comedy), Louie "Slim" (?) Bailey (comedy), Red Freeze, Esther Goodman McCain.

The Carolina Tarheels, early 1930s. From left to right: Rudle Kiser, Claude Davis, Esther Goodman McClain (front row), Slim Bailey, Clyde Kiser, Red Freeze (back row).

Hoyt Ming and his Pep-Steppers

2010-12-02T18:20:00.000+01:00

Tupelo, MS, based group. Members included Hoyt Ming (fiddle/vocals), Rozelle Ming (guitar), Troy Ming (mandolin), Rozelle's sister (mandolin). Recorded for Victor (1928). Also recorded after 1942.

Hoyt Ming and his Pep-Steppers, ca. 1928. From left to right: Hoyt Ming, unidentified (possibly Ralph Peer), Rozelle Ming, Troy Ming

Carl T. Sprague

2010-12-02T18:17:00.001+01:00

Carl T. Sprague (b. March 19, 1895, in Houston, TX - d. February 19, 1979, in Bryan, TX), recorded for Victor (1925-1929).

Bascom Lamar Lunsford

2010-12-02T18:17:00.000+01:00

Bascom Lamar Lunsford (b. March 21, 1882, in Mars Hill, NC - d. September 4, 1973), founder of the "Mountain Dance and Folk Festival". Recorded for OKeh (1924) and Brunswick (1928). Also recorded after 1942.

Fiddlin' John Carson

2010-12-02T18:15:00.000+01:00

John William "Fiddlin' John" Carson (b. March 23, 1868 or 1874, in Fannin County, GA - d. December 11, 1949, in Atlanta, GA), a regular on WSB (Atlanta, GA). Recorded for OKeh (1923-1931) and with his daughter Rosa Lee Carson ("Moonshine Kate") for Bluebird (1934).

Fiddlin' John Carson and his daughter

Fiddlin' John Carson and Gid Tanner, Atlanta ca. 1920s

Stripling Brothers

2010-11-12T17:22:00.001+01:00

Members included Charlie Melvin Stripling (fiddle) and Ira Lee (Stripling). Recorded for Brunswick (1928-1929) and Decca (1934, 1936).

Charlie and Ira Stripling

Charlie Stripling

Moonshine Kate

2010-11-12T17:15:00.002+01:00

Rosa Lee "Moonshine Kate" Carson (b. October 10, 1909, in Atlanta, GA - d. 1992 in Bainbridge, GA), daughter of Fiddlin' John Carson. A regular on WSB (Atlanta, GA). Often performed with her father. Recorded for solo OKeh (1925-1931) and with her father for Bluebird (1934).

Bethesda String Band

2010-11-02T23:55:00.000+01:00

Bethesda String Band, 1929

Frank Ferera

2010-11-02T23:53:00.000+01:00

Frank Fereira II. (June 12, 1885, in Honolulu, Hawaii - d. June 26, 1951), recorded with his wife Helen Louise, Irene West, Anthony Franchini and others as well as solo for Edison, Columbia, Gennett, Victor, Empire, OKeh, Pathé, Banner, Velvet Tone, Montgomery Ward, and others.


Frank Ferera (left) and Anthony Franchini (right), 1921

Helen Louise and Frank Ferera, ca. 1916-1919

Warren Caplinger

2010-11-02T23:39:00.000+01:00

Warren "Cap" Caplinger (b. June 16, 1889 - d. July 7, 1957), a regular on WKNA (Charleston, WV). Recorded for Brunswick.

Warren Caplinger's Dixie Harmonizers, 1920s: Everett Caplinger, Warren Caplinger, Charley Bowland (front row), Andy Patterson, Dave West (back row)

Lonesome Luke and his Farm Boys

2010-10-24T23:33:00.001+02:00

Kentucky based group. Members included D.C. "Lonesome Luke" Decker (fiddle), J.C. "Red" Sumter, Rex Grant (bass), Ed Grant (guitar), Jimmy Eliu (banjo), Ira "Happy" Decker (banjo), and Joe Steen (guitar). Regulars on WAVE (Louisville, KY), WHAS (Louisville, KY) and WLAP (Lexington, KY). Recorded for Champion.

Lonesome Luke and his Farm Boys, circa 1930: Luke Decker, J.C. Sumter, Rex Grant, unidentified (standing) - Ed Grant, Jimmy Eliu, Ira Decker, Joe Steen (seated)

Burnett and Rutherford

2010-10-24T23:19:00.000+02:00

Members included Richard "Dick" Burnett (banjo/guitar/vocals) and Leonard Rutherford (fiddle/vocals). Recorded for Columbia (1927-1930). Rutherford also recorded with John Foster for Brunswick.

Leonard Rutherford and Dick Burnett

Emry Arthur

2010-10-21T19:48:00.001+02:00

Emry Arthur (b. ca. 1900 in Elk Spring Valley, KY; d. 1966 in Indianapolis, IN), recorded for Vocalion (1928-1929), Paramount (1929-1931), and Decca (1935).

B.F. Shelton

2010-10-16T12:36:00.000+02:00

B.F. Shelton (b. January 1, 1902, in Clay County, KY - d. 1963), recorded for Victor (1927).

Fiddlin' Bob Haines and his Four Aces

2010-10-16T12:31:00.000+02:00

Texas based group. Members included Bob Haines (fiddle) and Art Haines (fiddle). Recorded for Edison.

Fiddlin' Bob Haines and his Four Aces, Texarkana, AR, poss. 1921: Bob Haines (center), Art Haines (far right)

Rex Cole's Mountaineers

2010-10-15T14:01:00.000+02:00

Founded by popular music artists Arthur Fields and Fred Hall. Regulars on WEAF (New York City, NY). Recorded for the American Record Corporation as Sam Cole and his Cornhuskers, Gaunt Brothers, Colt Brothers, Jim Cole's Tennessee Mountaineers, Eddie Younger and his Mountaineers, Buck Wilson and his Rangers, among other pseudonyms.

Rex Cole's Mountaineers, ca. 1933-1934

Dixon Brothers

2010-10-15T13:42:00.000+02:00

Members included Dorsey Dixon (steel guitar/vocals) and Howard Dixon (guitar/vocals). Regulars on the Crazy Barn Dance (WBT, Charlotte, NC) in 1934. Recorded for Bluebird (1936-1938). Dorsey Dixon recorded also after 1942.


The Dixon Brothers at WBT

The Dixon Brothers, possibly with Mutt Evans

Dorsey Dixon with his son

Roy Hall

2010-09-27T22:20:00.000+02:00

Roy Davis Hall (b. January 6, 1907, in Haywood County, NC - d. May 16, 1943), led the Blue Ridge Entertainers. A regular on the Blue Ridge Jamboree (WDBJ, Roanoke, VA). Recorded with his brother Jay Hugh Hall for Bluebird (1937-1938) and with the Blue Ridge Entertainers for American Record Corporation (1938-1941).

Roy Hall (middle) and his Blue Ridge Entertainers at WDBJ

Need Information

2010-09-27T21:57:00.002+02:00

Here you will find pictures of musicians which are not really identified. If you have any information, please feel free to contact me.

Old-time musician called Smiley Maxedon dressed in cowboy clothes. Is this the same Smiley Maxedon (1921-2001) that was active in the 1950s in California? Or is it John "Smilin' Red" Maxedon (1910-1984), who was heard on several radio stations through the Midwest?

"STRING DUET - Eva Faye Wahsington and Charlie Jones Graham in 1928. Charlie was a brother to Kennedy Jones." -- Does anyone have more information on this artist?

Da Costa Woltz's Southern Broadcasters

2010-08-02T17:10:00.000+02:00

Members included Da Costa Woltz (banjo/vocals), Price Goodson (harmonica/ukulele/vocals), Ben Jarrell (fiddle), Frank Jenkins (banjo). Recorded for Gennett (1927).

Da Costa Woltz's Southern Broadcasters, 1927 (from left): Da Costa Woltz, Price Goodson, Ben Jarrell, Frank Jenkins

Frank Hutchison

2010-07-12T19:45:00.004+02:00

Frank Hutchison (b. March 20, 1897, in Raleigh County, WV - d. November 9, 1945, in Dayton, OH), Logan County, WV, based artist. Recorded for OKeh (1926-1929).

Blue Sky Boys

2010-07-07T13:49:00.003+02:00

Members included Bill Bolick (mandolin) and Earl Bolick (guitar). Regulars on the Crazy Barn Dance (WBT, Charlotte, NC). Recorded for Bluebird (1936-1940). Also recorded after 1942.

Fiddlin' Sam Long

2010-07-07T13:36:00.004+02:00

Samuel William "Fiddlin' Sam" Long (b. October 22, 1876, in Scranton, KS - d. May 5, 1931, in KS), recorded for Gennett (1927).
Fiddlin' Sam Long and Roy Kastner in 1926

Frank Blevins

2010-06-25T15:19:00.007+02:00

Frank Blevins (b. February 25, 1912, in Smyth County, Virginia), recorded for Columbia (1927-1928).Frank Blevins in 1930

Frank Blevins (left) with his brother Ed

Frank Blevins and the Southern Buccaneers, ca. 1936: unidentified, Frank Blevins, Corwin Matthews, Ed Blevins (seated)

Frank Blevins, Jack Reedy, Ed Blevins, Muriel Dockery at the White Top Folk Festival, 1933. The woman behind Jack Reedy is Eleanor Roosevelt.

Billy Vest

2010-06-25T15:11:00.003+02:00

William A. "Billy" Vest (b. August 8, 1910 in Afton, VA - d. July 20, 1985, in Albermarle County, VA), recorded for Columbia (1930-1931), Gennett (1931) and ARC (1933-1935).Billy Vest around 1932, possibly in Saskatchewan, Canada

Carson Robison

2010-06-10T17:09:00.006+02:00

Carson Jay Robison (b. August 4, 1890, in Oswego, KS - d. March 24, 1957 in Pleasant Valley, NY), recorded for Victor, Brunswick, Columbia, American Record Corporation. Also recorded after the war.

Carson Robison and his Pioneers

Fiddlin' Arthur Smith

2010-06-10T16:55:00.003+02:00

"Fiddlin'" Arthur Smith (b. April 10, 1898, in Humphreys County, TN - d. February 28, 1971, in Louisville, KY), member of the Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded for Gennett and Bluebird. Recorded also after the war.

Bill Gatins' Jug Band

2010-05-12T21:06:00.005+02:00

Atlanta, GA, based group. Members inlcuded at one time or another Bill Gatlins (jug/banj0), Jack Bell (fiddle), Curly Harris (guitar), Ed Smith (harmonica), Toots Hodge (electric guitar), Reidy Reed (fiddle), Joe Scott (bass), Freddy Hayes (piano), Tom Bennett, J.W. Smith (fiddle), Lois Poss (bass), Carl Poss (steel guitar), Vernon Whiddon (saxophone), Charlie Power (guitar), Wiley Kite (fiddle), Cecil Gilham (vocals), Jack Lee (comedian), Shorty Steed (fiddle), Bud Mote (fiddle), Johnny Street (fiddle). Regulars on WSB (Atlanta, GA) 1931-1934 and WGST (Atlanta, GA) in 1938. Recorded for Decca (1935) as "Bill Gatin" or the "Cherokee Ramblers".
Bill Gatins' Jug Band at WGST: Louis Poss (bass), Ben Ferrell (guitar), Carl Poss (steel guitar), Nick [unknown] (clarinette), Bill Gatins (jug/banjo)

Earl Johnson

2010-05-12T20:46:00.005+02:00

Robert Earl Johnson (b. August 24, 1886, in Gwinnett County, GA, - d. May 31, 1965), member of Fiddlin' John Carson's Virginia Reelers and the Dixie String Band. A regular on WSB (Atlanta, GA). Recorded with Fiddlin' John Carson for OKeh, with the Dixie String Band for Paramount (1925) and solo for OKeh (1927-1928, 1930) and RCA Victor (1929).
Earl Johnson (middle) and his Dixie Entertainers, 1929

Roy Harvey

2010-04-28T21:58:00.006+02:00

Roy Harvey (b. March 24, 1892, in Monroe County, VA - d. July 11, 1958), guitarist and manager for Charlie Poole's North Carolina Ramblers. Recorded solo and with Earl Shirkey, Posey Rorer, the North Carolina Ramblers, Jess Johnston, Leonard Copeland and others for Gennett, Brunswick, Columbia and Paramount.

Roy Harvey (seated) with Earl Shirkey

Jimmie Rodgers

2010-04-28T19:05:00.005+02:00

James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers (b. September 8, 1897, in Meridian, Mississippi - d. May 26, 1933, in New York City), recorded for Victor (1927-1933).Jimmie Rodgers (left) and the Carter Family

Harry McClintock

2010-04-28T18:55:00.003+02:00

Harry "Haywire Mac" McClintock (b. October 8, 1882 in Knoxville, TN - d. April 27, 1957 in San Francisco, CA), a regular on KFRC. Recorded for Victor (1928-1931), Flexo (1930) and Decca (1938).

Darby and Tarlton

2010-04-28T18:47:00.003+02:00

Members included Tom Darby (vocals/guitar) and Jimmy Tarlton (steel guitar). Recorded for Columbia (1927-1930), Victor (1932) and ARC (1933).Tom Darby and Jimmie Tarlton

Arthur Tanner

2010-04-27T23:38:00.003+02:00

Arthur Hugh Tanner (b. June 3, 1903, in Walton County, GA - d. February 22, 1972, in Winder, GA), brother of Gid Tanner. A regular on WSB (Atlanta, GA) with Earl Johnson. Recorded for Columbia (1925, 1927-1930) and Paramount (1925).

Dykes Magic City Trio

2010-04-27T23:21:00.003+02:00

Scott County, Virginia, based group. Members included John Dykes (fiddle), Hubert Mahaffey (guitar) and Myrtle Vermillion (autoharp). Recorded for Brunswick (1927). "Magic City" reffers to Kingsport, Tennessee.
Left to right: John Dykes, Myrtle Vermillion, Hubert Mahaffey

Brook Farm String Band

2010-03-24T12:40:00.002+01:00

Members included Deborah Fisher (banjo), Kent Fisher (fiddle), Vivian Burrows (guitar).
Left to right: Deborah Fisher, Kent Fisher, Vivian Burrows

Yodeling Bart

2010-03-24T12:39:00.000+01:00

Swannannoa String Band

2010-03-24T12:36:00.003+01:00

Swannannoa String Band in 1895

Fleming & Townsend

2010-01-19T22:42:00.003+01:00

Members included Reece Fleming (guitar/vocals) and Respers Townsend (vocals/guitar/mandolin/harmonica/kazoo). Recorded for Victor (1930-1932), ARC (1934) and Decca (1937).Respers Townsend and Reece Fleming in 1934

Southern Melody Boys

2010-01-17T16:59:00.002+01:00

Members included Odus Maggard (banjo/vocals) and Woodrow Roberts (guitar/vocals). Recorded for Bluebird (1937) and Decca (1938).

Tweedy Brothers

2010-01-17T16:53:00.002+01:00

Charles and Harry Tweedy. Recorded for Gennett (1924-1930).
Charles and Harry Tweedy in 1930

H.M. Barnes' Blue Ridge Ramblers

2010-01-17T16:45:00.002+01:00

Members included Fred Roe (fiddle), Jim E. Smith (fiddle), Frank E. "Dad" Williams (fiddle), Frank Wilson (steel guitar), Lonnie Austin (piano), probably Harry Brown (mandolin), possibly Jack Reedy (banjo) and Henry Roe (guitar). Recorded for Brunswick (1930).

Wilmer Watts

2010-01-16T14:22:00.003+01:00

Wilmer Wesley Watts (b. 1892, 1896 or 1898 in Mount Tabor, NC - d. August 1943), based in Gaston County. Recorded with Frank Wilson for Paramount (1927) and with the Lonely Eagles for Paramount (1929).

Montana Slim

2010-01-09T13:48:00.003+01:00

Wilfred Arthur Charles "Wilf" ("Montana Slim") Carter (b. December 18, 1904, in Port Hilford, CA-NS - d. December 5, 1996, in Scottsdale, AZ), Canadian artist. Recorded for Bluebird (1933-1941) as Montana Slim and for Canadian RCA Victor as Wilf Carter. Also recorded after 1942.

Dock Boggs

2010-01-08T19:35:00.003+01:00

Moran Lee "Dock" Boggs (b. Febuary 7, 1898, in Norton, VA - d. Febuary 7, 1971, in Norton, VA), recorded for Brunswick (1927) and Lonesome Ace (1929).

"Daddy" John Love

2010-01-08T15:52:00.004+01:00

"Daddy" John Love, recorded for RCA Victor (1935-1936). Also a member of the Hilliard Brothers, J.E. Mainer's Mountaineers and the Dixie Reelers.

Moatsville String Ticklers

2010-01-08T15:12:00.004+01:00

Moatsville, West Virginia, based group. Members included Zel Frye (banjo), Doyle Shaffer (guitar), Brooks Ritter (banjo), Floyd Frye (guitar), Marshall Summers, Harold Ritter (fiddle), Cecil Frye (fiddle), and Gordon Frye (fiddle). Recorded for Columbia (1929).
(standing) Zel Frye, Doyle Shaffer, Brooks Ritter, and Floyd Frye and (seated) Marshall Summers, Harold Ritter, Cecil Frye, and Gordon Frye

Clayton McMichen

2009-12-01T20:48:00.011+01:00

Clayton "Mac" McMichen (b. January 26, 1900, in Allatoona, GA - d. January 4, 1970), member of the Skillet Lickers and various other Atlanta recording groups. A regular on WSB (Atlanta, GA), the National Barn Dance in 1933 (WLS, Chicago, IL) and the Grand Ole Opry (WSM, Nashville, TN). Recorded for OKeh (1925), Columbia (1926-1931), Crown (1932) and Decca (1937-1939).
Clayton McMichen a KDKA (Pittsburgh, PA) in 1932

McMichen and the Georgia Wildcats, late 1930s: McMichen (middle) and Merle Travis (second from right)

See also: Skillet Lickers

Bert Layne

2009-11-23T16:37:00.008+01:00

Bert Monroe Layne (b. December 14, 1889, in Arkansas - d. October 1982 in Covington, KY), member of the Skillet Lickers, Clayton McMichen's Georgia Wildcats, McMichen's Melody Men and various other Atlanta based recording groups. Recorded for Brunswick (1930).

See also: Skillet Lickers

Uncle Bunt Stephens

2009-09-16T18:12:00.004+02:00

John L. "Uncle Bunt" Stephens (b. February 2, 1879, in Bedford County, TN - d. July 25, 1952), recorded for Columbia (1926).

Roanoke Jug Band

2009-09-15T16:51:00.003+02:00

Roanoke, VA, based group. Group members included Ray Bager (guitar), Mahon B. Overstreet (guitar), Clyde Dooley (banjo), Walter E. Keith (banjo), Billy Altizer (fiddle) and Richard Mitchell (mandolin-banjo). Recorded for OKeh (1929).

Charlie Monroe

2009-09-10T16:08:00.009+02:00

Charlie Monroe (b. June 4, 1903, in Rosine, KY - d. September 27, 1975), brother of Bill Monroe. Recorded for Bluebird (1938-1939). Recorded also after 1942.

Charlie Monroe and his Kentucky Pardners

Bill Monroe

2009-09-10T15:56:00.007+02:00

William Smith "Bill" Monroe (b. September 13, 1911, in Rosine, KY - d. September 9, 1996, in Springfield, TN), leader of the Blue Grass Boys. Member of the Grand Ole Opry (WSM - Nashville, TN). Recorded for RCA Victor (1939-1941). Monroe recorded also after 1942.

Four Pickled Peppers

2009-09-10T15:45:00.004+02:00

Rockingham County, NC, based group. Members included Norman Woodlieff (vocals/guitar), Esmund Harris (guitar), Hamon Newman (banjo), Dallas Hubbard (bones/vocals), Earl Taylor (guitar), Lonnie Austin (fiddle). Recorded for Bluebird (1938-1939).

Weems String Band

2009-09-04T21:22:00.003+02:00

Weems String Band, Perry County, Tenn., based group. Group members included Dick Weems (fiddle), Frank Weems (fiddle), Jesse Weems (cello), Alvin Condor (banjo) and and unidentified musician (guitar). Recorded for Columbia (1928).

Gid Tanner

2009-08-28T13:42:00.008+02:00

James Gideon "Gid" Tanner (b. June 6, 1885, in Thomas Bridge, GA - d. May 13, 1960, in Dacula, GA), also member of the Skillet Lickers. Recorded for Columbia (1924-1931) and Bluebird (1934). Recorded with several Skillet Lickers line-ups on his recordings.

Gid Tanner and Riley Puckett buskin' on the street in Atlanta, early 1920s Gid Tanner (fiddle) with Riley Puckett (seated, left) and unknown guitarist and banjo player

Walter Kolomoku

2009-08-28T13:36:00.005+02:00

Walter Kolomoku (also spelled as Kolomuku), famous hawaiian steel guitar player. Recorded for Columbia, together with Walter Smith for Edison (1916) and Victor (1929). Also musician for the Broadway stage play "Bird of Paradise".

Four Virginians

2009-08-04T21:23:00.004+02:00

Danville, VA, based group. Members included James Richard Bigger (fiddle), Elvin Bigger (vocal/guitar), Leonard Jennings (tiple), Fred Richards (guitar). Recorded for OKeh (1927).

Blind Alfred Reed

2009-07-30T20:27:00.007+02:00

"Blind" Alfred Reed (b. June 15, 1880 in Floyd, VA - d. January 17, 1956), recorded for Victor (1927-1929). Fred Pendleton, Blind Alfred Reed, Arville Reed (Alfred Reed's son)
Fred Pendleton and Alfred Reed