Audio
This song features Ralph on guitar and 5-year old Warren Smith on vocals. Recorded in 1955 and transferred by 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.
Within this Series
Audio
J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.Audio
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...Audio
An original tune written and performed by Orris Smith, son of Ralph and brother of Alda. Recorded in Virginia in 1975 and transferred by Alda.Audio
J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.Audio
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...Audio
Ralph Smith performing on Country Earle's WAGI radio program in 1955. Ralph was well-known for his "talking blues" and played many of the same songs as upstate blues musician and talking blues pioneer...Audio
Recorded during a live performance at the Botanical Gardens at Clemson University. 2003.Audio
Traditional dance tune or "reel" from the recording "Vernon & Ruth Riddle: Hornpipes & Reels."Audio
J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.