Professional songwriters may have written “Wildwood Flower”, but it has since become not only a country classic, but also redefined as a “Carter Family Song” . It has been selected by National Public Radio as one of the 100 most important songs of the 20th century and is “the closest thing country music has to a true anthem”. This is largely due to the guitar playing of Maybelle Carter and her influence over several generations of musicians.
Read MoreIf there was a single song that gave birth to country music as we know it, it would be “Single Girl, Married Girl”. The song was one that Ralph Peer specifically requested the Carter Family sing in their first recording session, and it was the song that convinced him that the Carter Family was worth signing to a record contract. However, as in the case of many famous incidents, it is a song that almost did not get recorded.
Read MoreThe Carter Family first recorded what would be their signature song in Camden, New Jersey in June 1933. RCA Victor, their record company, never released this version and the song sat until 1935 when the Carters, once again, recorded “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, a song about a mother’s funeral. This song would go on to be one of their most famous songs and inspire the title of an album that would re-introduce the Carters to a different audience 40 years later.
Read MoreIf it had not been for the wandering work of A.P., the Carter Family might not have been able to achieve the success and lasting legacy they hold in American music.
Read MoreOne, I didn’t include Christmas songs. A lot of Christmas songs get me. Two, I didn’t include anything too personal, although if it’s not somewhat personal, you’re not going to feel it enough to be moved to tears.
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