As you all can very well guess, I am a huge fan of The Carter Family. This is a great loss to not only the family and friends, but to Country/Oldtime/Folk music in general. All three of Maybelle's daughters had their special gift: Helen could play almost any musical instrument, June was the comedienne, and Anita could sing the prettiest. To say that Anita was the most talented of the whole family is a false statement, because when you say Carter you are saying talent. It was as a unit that each showed their talent most valiantly. In the Carter Family, Anita held those intricate harmonies together with her high, clear voice. That was her part, as every member had a part. Of course she was a gifted songwriter, musician, as well as a very versitile artist. She really couldn't help to be these things, just look at the heritage she had in her mother, who continually shaped all realms of Country, Folk, Oldtime, and Bluegrass Music. But let's only remember this as a part of her great life. Let us not forget that she was a devoted daughter, sister, and mother of two. Now she is once again singing with Uncle A.P., Aunt Sara, Helen, and Mother Maybelle somewhere beyond the blue.

John J.