The Carter Family: Shaping My Music

Subject: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 10:00 AM

More than any other individuals The Carter Family have been a life long influence on my music and, as a result, my relationship with my family's heritage.

I first heard the Carter family on 78s at my grandfather's house in Shenadoah valley as a child. It had been a log cabin that became a little clapboard house by the side of Honeyville Road. My uncle owned the country store up the road, much like AP's down the valley. The first melody I learned to play on the guitar was "Wild Wood Flower", Mother Maybelle's signature piece. I learned to play it on my grandfather's guitar. Later, when I learned "Little Darling Pal of Mine" I didn't learn it from Maybelle's playing. I learned it from Joan Baez's recording. I also learned from her album liner notes that the hillbillys I'd been rejecting were the progenitors of much the folk music I was playing in our high school hootenannys. I learned to sing bass to gospel songs from AP recordings and at the same time came to respect my own heritage. Their influence moves through me every time I pick up my guitar and sing with my wife. I wish I could thank them.

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 10:07 AM

They sure are important figures in the history of American Music.

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 10:26 AM

I've assumed that the trio singing "Keep on the Sunny Side" in "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" were meant to be the Carter Family ... and it pleased me that they were one of the icons of the time included by the Coens in the film.

Your comment about 'respecting your own heritage' is SO important. We were lucky to get a lot of Canadian folk songs in school and youth clubs in Ontario, and to have programmes like Singalong Jubilee on the TV. But I'm also lucky that my mother taught me a lot of old-time stuff, including revival hymns and bits of doggerel from her home 'patch'. Same generation as the Carters, perhaps...

sian

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 10:36 AM

I've been listening to the Carter Family for decades. Oddly enough, the older I get, the longer I play, and the more I listen, the better they get. How do they do it?

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: 53
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 03:39 PM

it seems as though they're just part of music history and i believe that in some way they will influence everybody who is involved in music. BOB

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 04:00 PM

I couldn't agree more. These songs get better and better with age. In the tapestry of American life these threads not only offer strength but color as well. Where would we all be without their songs?

Subject: RE: The Carter Family: Shaping My Music
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 04:04 PM

My first song was also "Wildwood Flower." I still do their tunes, they get better, and will always be a part of my music. Even though I flatpick I utilize the "Carter Style" of lead-pick-strum for several of my tunes.

I believe that I am "Thanking them" every time I use their style of music, or do one of their tunes, as to emulate is the highest form of flattery. It also keeps their spirit alive and well. Great Post!!

Steve