The Carter Family

A.P. Carter (who once worked on a railroad near Richmond, Indiana in the late 1800's) was a tall and broad man (around 6:6) whose presents demanded attention when entering a room. He was shaky and awkward and was said to be the town creep because of his condition. He married Sarah who was a large lady around 5:10. She had striking features of peering eyes and sharp jaw. She had a strong, raw voice with a thick Virginia (Clinch Mountain) accent and she also played the autoharp. A.P.'s brother married Maybelle (his first cousin). She was beautiful. Petite with bright blue eyes. She played the guitar in a very unique way that influenced country music forever, playing the melody on the bass notes while strumming the rhythm. Sarah was the lead singer mostly, with Maybelle singing harmony. A.P. would sing with the low part, but he was mostly a manager of sorts.

The Carter Family first recorded in Bristol, Tennessee in 1927. They made money with every recorded, and saw success the more they did. A.P. began desperately traveling through the mountains in search for old traditional tunes. Looking for music passed down through Virginian families, so he could record them and make more money.

The Carter Family became the biggest country group in the nation, constantly recording more music and airing they're own weekly radio show.

Sarah and A.P. didn't get along and Sarah eventually left him for a man in Oregon she had been writing, ending the group. Maybelle, who became known as "Mother Maybelle" had a lot of daughters. The could all sing.

She started a group with them and found many years of success. One of her daughters, June Carter, married Johnny Cash.

This is Cocaine Cash with the Carter Sisters singing one of my favorite gospel songs.


Sarah and Maybelle reunited after A.P. died in 78.