John McCutcheon and Friends Pay Tribute to the 1925 Fiddler’s Convention with a New Album
In 1923, Fiddlin’ John Carson recorded the first vocal and instrumental song for the Okeh Recording Company. Carson’s recordings sold over a million copies and convinced northern recording companies that there was a market for southern old time country music. Four years later came the Bristol Sessions, often described as the Big Bang of country music. However, in between was an essential connective event, the Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention of 1925. It was a Who’s Who gathering of southern musicians, many of whom had become famous because of their recordings. John Carson, Uncle Am Stuart, GB Grayson, the Fiddlin’ Powers Family, Charlie Bowman and the Hillbillies, Clarence Ashley, Dudley Vance, and more appeared. It was a stunning assemblage and one that modern music lovers still marvel at.
John McCutcheon, familiar to many in Mountain City for his frequent concert appearances at Heritage Hall, is putting together a recording of modern musicians honoring the centenary of this amazing event. Participants include Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, Stuart Duncan, Tim O’Brien, New Dangerfield, Bruce Molsky, Cathy & Marcie’s Old Time Coalition, the Kody Norris Show and more. Cristy Dunn will create the album artwork and extensive promotion that will advertise the release widely.
And all profits from the recording will benefit the Johnson County Center for the Arts.
To be released in conjunction with the 2025 Long Journey Home Festival, this recording will not only provide funds for years to the Center for the Arts, but will promote Mountain City’s name as an integral part of the development of American country music.
We’ve created a crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo platform to raise the funds needed to pay their studio fees, cover mixing and mastering, and the printing and distribution of the first 1,000 CDs. Be the first to hear the music and get perks like a copy of the CD, concert tickets donated by participating musicians, a private concert with John McCutcheon, and more!
In 1923, Fiddlin’ John Carson recorded the first vocal and instrumental song for the Okeh Recording Company. Carson’s recordings sold over a million copies and convinced northern recording companies that there was a market for southern old time country music. Four years later came the Bristol Sessions, often described as the Big Bang of country music. However, in between was an essential connective event, the Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention of 1925. It was a Who’s Who gathering of southern musicians, many of whom had become famous because of their recordings. John Carson, Uncle Am Stuart, GB Grayson, the Fiddlin’ Powers Family, Charlie Bowman and the Hillbillies, Clarence Ashley, Dudley Vance, and more appeared. It was a stunning assemblage and one that modern music lovers still marvel at.
John McCutcheon, familiar to many in Mountain City for his frequent concert appearances at Heritage Hall, is putting together a recording of modern musicians honoring the centenary of this amazing event. Participants include Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, Stuart Duncan, Tim O’Brien, New Dangerfield, Bruce Molsky, Cathy & Marcie’s Old Time Coalition, the Kody Norris Show and more. Cristy Dunn will create the album artwork and extensive promotion that will advertise the release widely.
And all profits from the recording will benefit the Johnson County Center for the Arts.
To be released in conjunction with the 2025 Long Journey Home Festival, this recording will not only provide funds for years to the Center for the Arts, but will promote Mountain City’s name as an integral part of the development of American country music.
We’ve created a crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo platform to raise the funds needed to pay their studio fees, cover mixing and mastering, and the printing and distribution of the first 1,000 CDs. Be the first to hear the music and get perks like a copy of the CD, concert tickets donated by participating musicians, a private concert with John McCutcheon, and more!
Why do these Grammy award-winning musicians need you?
Because they are all donating their time and talent to create an album that will benefit Johnson County Center for the Arts and tell this community's unique story for years to come!
Because they are all donating their time and talent to create an album that will benefit Johnson County Center for the Arts and tell this community's unique story for years to come!
Did you know that 80% of Tennessee arts grants are funded by the sale of specialty license plates?
Our murals, many of our classes, and the Long Journey Home festival are all examples of projects that have been funded this way.! These funds have made a real difference in our community. You can show your support by becoming a member of Tennesseans for the Arts and/or getting your specialty license plate today!
RSS Feed