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Riddle discusses his Texas connection and influences. Recorded in 1989.
Alda Smith
Fiddle & Old Time Country
A type of country music ensemble that includes fiddle, banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, and upright bass. Emerged in the early 1900s and was an important precursor to bluegrass. During the late 1800s, the Carolina Piedmont provided fertile ground for the cultivation of a string band tradition that combined Scots-Irish fiddle and balladry with African instruments like banjo and European guitar and mandolin. String band music was social music, played at dances, contests, and other community occasions. String band musicians were storytellers, performing songs of tragedy and revenge, love and friendship. Much of this music, whether blues or string band, has deep roots in both sacred and secular themes, creating dynamic music with emotional and personal meaning.
Today it is played primarily in circles where old-time country music remains popular, such as family picnics, square dances, fiddle conventions, and jam sessions. Rooted in British ballads and folk songs originally played on the fiddle in Britain. Country music has been aggressively marketed since the 1920s, developing numerous traditions within genre – honky tonk, western swing, and early rock and roll.
Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.
For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
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Ralph and his wife Faye singing one of their favorite old-time gospel numbers. Recorded in 1955 and transferred by Alda Smith.
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Riddle learned this tune from legendary Texas fiddler Eck Robertson. From the recording "Vernon & Ruth Riddle with John Fowler: Pickin' Partners String Band." 1999.
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Buffalo. PRODUCED BY Hairy Toe Productions. 2005. Front cover artwork by Drew Deane. Recorded and mixed by John Fowler. Charles Summer - Fiddle & Vocal, Briggs Hamilton - Guitar, Nancy Hamilton - Bass...
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Mr. Charles Summer was from a small cotton mill town in Union County. His father was a master fiddler and, consequently, Charles did not even recall the first time he heard the fiddle being played. It...
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A Gary Davis standard. Steve on vocals and guitar with his father Slick on bones.
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Written by Owens, this waltz showcases his ability to play slow tempo tunes as well as faster reels and dance numbers. Recorded at the "Fiddle Traditions" CD Release Party at the Spartanburg County...
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Steve McGaha discussing the African American roots of playing guitar with a slide.
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"Theme song" for the Grand Ol' Opry, recorded during a live performance on WELP-AM in Easley, SC. Owens was the first to play live on WELP back in 1951. He played in a group featuring his brother...
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A Blind Willy Johnson song. A baptist preacher and bluesman, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best slide guitar players that ever lived. Here Steve and Slick play the song as Steve learned it...
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Hallman relates a story about a particular Spartanburg County fiddler. Kathy Hallman demonstrates one particular method of accompanying her husband on the fiddle. 2003.
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Traditional tune from Hallman's 1973 album "Doublepicks." This number showcases Hallman's virtuosity on the guitar and his proficiency playing in the "flat pick" or "double pick" style.
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Traditional waltz tune. Recorded during the "Fiddle Traditions" CD Release Party at the Spartanburg County Library. 2003.
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Hallman explains and demonstrates the many differences in fiddle styles.
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Traditional dance tune, recorded at the 1998 Fall Folklife Festival at McKissick Museum.
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Charles Creswell
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From the album "Success Street" by Roger Bellow and the Drifting Troubadours, 1988. Bellow - guitar, Bob Sachs - mandolin, Don Earl - Dobro, and Dick Daniels - bass.
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From the album "Cross-Country Swing" by Roger Bellow and Paul Anastasio, 1999. This is a Tommy Duncan number from 1951. Bellow - guitar and vocals, Paul Anastasio - fiddle, Ray Wood - non-pedal steel...
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Song featured on the "Fiddle Traditions" recording produced by Hairy Toe Productions. Clarence Green on guitar.
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From the album "Success Street" by Roger Bellow and the Drifting Troubadours, 1988. This is an instrumental number with Bellow on guitar, Spanish Dobro, fiddle, mandolin, and bass.
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Charles Creswell
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Charles Creswell
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One of the popular instrumentals performed by the Pine State Playboys, spotlighting the musical talent of band members like Jimmie Colvard on steel guitar.
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Brackett playing fiddle and singing from the "Fiddle Traditions" recording produced by Hairy Toe Productions. Leonard Brackett on banjo and John Fowler on guitar.
