Introduction
Fiddlin’ John Carson: A Century of Legacy – 1924 -2024
If you include his incidental recording in Atlanta in June 1923 at the hands of Ralph Peer, Fiddlin’ John Carson was at his 3rd session when he cut “John Henry Blues” and ten more sides in late March or early April 1924.
The Atlanta event was probably the first well-organized country recording session in the South, and another year would pass before Columbia set up their regular sessions in Atlanta.
A Young John Carson with fiddle
The 1924 OKeh Session
Seven of the eleven issued sides from Carson’s late March 1924 OKeh session were just fiddle and vocals.
The remaining four were technically the first ever old-time string band recordings, credited to ‘Fiddlin’ John Carson & His Virginia Reelers.’
Rare 12-Inch Discs
Two of Fiddlin’ John’s solos and two of the string band sides from the session were issued by OKeh as 12-inch discs.
The 12-inch old time country format was a rarity, and OKeh experimented only briefly with the concept in 1924-25.
Only about ten country 12-inchers were issued by OKeh in their 7000 series, and they’re all quite rare records nowadays.
Notable Tracks
Four of the ten old time 12-inchers were by Carson, including his classics “The Cat Came Back,” “Dixie Boll Weevil,” and
“I Got Mine.”
The Virginia Reelers
The musicians on the four Virginia Reelers string band sides are not confirmed.
Instruments seem to be two fiddles, guitar, and banjo.
Country music historians speculate on the identities of the musicians.
Extended Version of “John Henry Blues”
The 12-inch recording of Carson’s “John Henry Blues” runs just over 4 minutes with extra disc space.
Carson’s hauntingly ancient sound is prominent as he tells an extended version of the folk ballad.
Availability
Fiddling John Carson Complete Recorded works are available here.
Carson’s late March 1924 12-inch versions of “John Henry Blues” and “Dixie Cowboy” are available for individual download and on CD.
Also available on Document Records collection 8014, “Fiddlin’ John Carson – Complete Recorded Works 1923-1934, Volume 1.”
His other six 12-inch sides are available on Document 8015, Volume 2.
Authored by:
Terry Davis
Follow Terry on Instagram @historyofcountrymusic
Graphics by:
Gabriela Teodora Vâlceanu
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