Country Music Originals

Graced by more than 200 illustrations, many of them seldom seen and some never before published, this sparkling volume offers vivid portraits of the men and women who created country music, the artists whose lives and songs formed the rich tradition from which so many others have drawn inspiration. Included here are not only such major figures as Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, Fiddlin' John Carson, Charlie Poole, and Gene Autry, who put country music on America's cultural map, but many fascinating lesser-known figures as well, such as Carson Robison, Otto Gray, Chris Bouchillon, Emry Arthur and dozens more, many of whose stories are told here for the first time. To map some of the winding, untraveled roads that connect today's music to its ancestors, Tony Russell draws upon new research and rare source material, such as contemporary newspaper reports and magazine articles, internet genealogy sites, and his own interviews with the musicians or their families. The result is a lively mix of colorful tales and anecdotes, priceless contemporary accounts of performances, illuminating social and historical context, and well-grounded critical judgment. The illustrations include artist photographs, record labels, song sheets, newspaper clippings, cartoons, and magazine covers, recreating the look and feel of the entire culture of country music. Each essay includes as well a playlist of recommended and currently available recordings for each artist. Finally, the paperback edition now features an extensive index.

Tony Russell is a music historian who has written on country music, blues, jazz, and other forms of popular music in a wide variety of publications and has researched, written, and presented many musical programs for BBC Radio. He lives in London.

Acknowledgments Introduction Notes on Playlists Eck Robertson Fiddlin' John Carson Henry Whitter Ernest V. Stoneman Uncle Dave Macon Vernon Dalhart Fiddlin' Powers Charlie Poole Kelly Harrell DaCosta Woltz Uncle Jimmy Thompson Dr Humphrey Bate Sam McGee Gid Tanner Riley Puckett Clayton McMichen Lowe Stokes Earl Johnson John Dilleshaw Georgia Yellow Hammers South Georgia Highballers Cofer Brothers Dock Boggs Frank Hutchison Darby & Tarlton The Carter Family Jimmie Rodgers Bridge: The Great Divide Allen Brothers Fleming & Townsend Chris Bouchillon Ed Haley Clark Kessinger Blind Alfred Reed Roy Harvey Walter Smith Asa Martin Dick Burnett John D. Foster Emry Arthur Alfred G. Karnes Buell Kazee Raymond Render G. B. Grayson Clarence Ashley Carolina Tar Heels Carolina Twins Red Fox Chasers Bascom Lamar Lunsford Leake County Revelers Narmour & Smith Hoyt Ming Dr Smith's Champion Hoss Hair Pullers Fiddlin' Bob Larkan Golden Melody Boys Walter Coon Jules V. Allen Powder River Jack Lee Cartwright Brothers, Harry "Mac" McClintock Goebel Reeves John I. White Bernard "Slim" Smith Carson Robison Frank Luther Otto Gray & His Oklahoma Cowboys Bridge: Country Music In Transition Gene Autry Jimmie Davis Cliff Carlisle Bill Cox Mac & Bob Bradley Kincaid The Girls of the Golden West Wilf Carter Hank Snow Bridge: The Radio Years Lulu Belle & Scotty Patsy Montana Lily May Ledford J. E. Mainer Dixon Brothers Callahan Brothers Claude Casey Snuffy Jenkins Roy Acuff, "Ramblin' Red" Lowery Delmore Brothers Lonnie Glosson Grandpa Jones Carl Swanson Bridge: Western Swing & Honkytonk Milton Brown Bob Wills Light Crust Doughboys Adolph Hofner Cliff Bruner Hank Penny Bob Skyles Swift Jewel Cowboys Johnnie Lee Wills Ted Daffan Hoyle Nix Rex Griffin Buddy Jones Al Dexter Floyd Tillman Ernest Tubb Johnny Bond Red River Dave McEnery Leo Soileau Harry Choates Molly O'Day Rose Maddox Bibliography Index of Names Index of Songs