Origins: Howdayado by the Carter Family

Subject: Origins: Howdayado (Carter Family)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 May 21 - 07:30 AM

Does anyone know the origin of the song 'Howdayado' that the original Carter Family used as an intro song at their personal appearances?
I don't believe they ever recorded it, and it doesn't seem to be on any of the radio transcriptions that survive either. Janette Carter recorded it in the early '70s on an album with the same title.

Subject: RE: Origins: Howdayado by the Carter Family
From: cnd
Date: 05 May 21 - 01:38 PM

You are correct in saying that it was never formally recorded by the family as a whole. Do you have any way to share the tune/lyrics? It doesn't seem to be available online.

Here's what the notes from the Janette Carter album (Howdayado!, Traditional Records JC 573, 1973):

Some of these songs, including the title song "HOWDAYADO!" were never recorded at all by the Carters--somewhat surprising since they were part of the performing repertoire. In fact, Janette says the Carters used "HOWDAYADO!" as a sort of theme song to begin many of their programs. Perhaps the frivolity and slightly "corny" flavor of the song were too far removed from the more serious atmosphere presented in many Carter Family recordings.

It's also available on a Bear Family CD, Deliverance Will Come, released in 2004, but that one is no more available to listen to online either.

Subject: RE: Origins: Howdayado by the Carter Family
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 May 21 - 05:47 PM

The "Deliverance Will Come" CD is available at County Sales. It's a nice collection of songs.
https://www.countysales.com/products/25334

Subject: ADD: Howdayado (Carter Family)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 21 - 06:04 PM

Here are the lyrics as sung by Janette Carter in a home recording from 1973.

HOWDAYADO

Howdayado everybody, howdayado
Howdayado everybody, how are you
I am here I must confess
Just to bring you happiness
I hope to please you more or less
Howdayado

Howdayado
Howdayado
Howdaya doodle doodle doodle doodle do
I am here I must confess
Just to bring you happiness
I want to please you more or less
Howdayado

Howdayado everybody, howdayado
Howdayado everybody, how are you
I remember way back when
Girls were girls and men were men
It's so different now from then
Howdayado

Howdayado
Howdayado
Howdaya doodle doodle doodle doodle do
I remember way back when
Girls were girls and men were men
It's so different now from then
Howdayado

Subject: RE: Origins: Howdayado by the Carter Family
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 May 21 - 06:20 PM

Brilliant!! Thanks a lot.

Subject: RE: Origins: Howdayado by the Carter Family
From: cnd
Date: 07 May 21 - 01:31 AM

Aha! I didn't see this at first, but it looks like we've had a thread on this song before that I didn't find initially.

This post (click) may answer your questions. But it could always stand to be investigated a little more deeply.