The original group consisted of Alvin Pleasant Delaney Carter (A.P.; 1891-1960), his wife, Sara Dougherty Carter (autoharp and guitar; 1898-1979), and Maybelle Addington Carter (guitar; 1909-1978). Maybelle Carter (later popularly known as Mother Maybelle Carter) was married to A.P.'s brother Ezra (Eck) Carter. All three were born and raised in southwestern Virginia where they were immersed in the tight harmonies of mountain gospel music and shape note singing. Maybelle Carter's distinctive and innovative guitar playing style quickly became a hallmark of the group.
The Carters got their start on July 31, 1927 when A.P. convinced Sara and Maybelle (pregnant at the time) to make the journey from Maces Springs, Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee to audition for record producer Ralph Peer who was seeking new talent for the relatively embryonic recording industry. They received $50 for each song they recorded.
In the Fall of 1927 the Victor recording company released a double-sided 78 rpm record of the group performing "Wandering Boy" and "Poor Orphan Child". In 1928 another record was released with "The Storms Are on the Ocean" and "Single Girl, Married Girl". This one proved very popular.
They stopped touring and recording in 1943.
In 1987, the three daughters of Maybelle Carter - June Carter (also known as June Carter Cash, following marriage to Johnny Cash), Helen Carter and Anita Carter, along with June Carter's daughter Carlene Carter, appeared as the Carter Family and were featured on a 1987 television episode of Austin City Limits along with Johnny Cash.
The Carters were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970 and were given the nickname "The First Family of Country Music". In 1988, the Carter Family was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and received its Award for the song "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". In 1993, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring A.P., Sara, and Maybelle. In 2001, the group was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. In 2005, the group received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Carter Family III carries on the tradition. The group consists of A.P. Carter and Sarah Carter’s grandson Dale Jett, Maybelle Carter’s grandson John Carter Cash and his wife Laura Cash.
For more details, see the Carter Family biography at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carterfamily/peopleevents/p_carters.html
Jimmie Brown the Newsboy
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My clothes are worn and thin
I wander about from place to place
My daily bread I win
But never mind, sir, how I look
Don't swear at me or frown
I sell the morning papers, sir
I sell the morning papers, sir
My name is Jimmy Brown
Most everybody knows
I am the newsboy of the town
My father was a drunkard, sir
I've heard my mother say
But I am helping mother out
By journeying on the way
I sell the morning papers, sir
My name is Jimmy Brown
Most everybody knows
I am the newsboy of the town
The Carter Family's song "Jimmie Brown the Newsboy" tells the story of a young boy who is cold, hungry and struggling to survive by selling newspapers. He is dressed in worn and thin clothes, and wanders from place to place, trying to earn some money for his daily bread. Despite his difficult circumstances, Jimmie is cheerful and hopeful; he does not want people to judge him by his appearance. He introduces himself as Jimmy Brown and tells everyone that he sells the morning papers. His identity is known across the town, and most people recognize him as the newsboy.
Jimmie Brown's story is a poignant reminder of the hardships that children in poverty face. The song highlights the importance of hard work and determination, even in the face of adversity. Jimmie's situation is made even more difficult by his father's alcoholism, which has left his mother struggling to support the family. However, Jimmie is determined to do what he can to help his mother, even if it means selling newspapers on the street.
The song is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of empathy and kindness. It encourages listeners to look beyond outward appearances and see the humanity in others. The simple melody and heartfelt lyrics of "Jimmie Brown the Newsboy" have resonated with audiences for generations, making it a classic folk song that continues to inspire and move people today.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm very cold and hungry, sir
I am extremely cold and starving, sir.
My clothes are worn and thin
My clothes have worn out due to constant usage.
I wander about from place to place
I wander around from one place to another without having a fixed residence.
My daily bread I win
I earn my living by selling newspapers.
But never mind, sir, how I look
Please do not worry about my appearance, sir.
Don't swear at me or frown
Please do not scold or become angry with me, sir.
I sell the morning papers, sir
I make a living by selling newspapers, sir.
My name is Jimmy Brown
My name is Jimmy Brown.
Most everybody knows
Almost everyone in the town knows who I am.
I am the newsboy of the town
I am known as the newsboy in the town.
My father was a drunkard, sir
My father was an alcoholic, sir.
I've heard my mother say
My mother has told me that.
But I am helping mother out
I support my mother by working as a newsboy.
By journeying on the way
By travelling from place to place to sell newspapers.
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Stud75
I never get tired of her guitar playing. She's playing lead and rhythm at the same time.
@johntuttle2825
I remember my Dad use to play a cassette tape with this recording and other songs that they did. They were amazing duets. The way they sang and play guitar was amazing. My Dad had a good friend who sold newspapers on street corners as a boy. So, it was a real occupation. Enjoyed the memories. Thanks!
@mauricefreeth701
how did Maybelle get that beautiful sound from her guitar.Many have imitated her but NOBODY gets that wonderful sound that makes even their worst songs sound so bloody good. Maybelle is the best woman guitarist ever.
@robertlindsay7527
Her guitar was an archback; a style of a guitar!
@tahitislim25
My Dad played Maybelle's songs better than she did. That's a fact! The Carters including their daughter Janette (Sara's daughter) said so! (p.s. he was the only person allowed to tune and play Sara's autoharp.) We visited Janette many times and she would make us breakfast every morning. She lived up above the "Carter Fold" music venue in Hiltons Virginia
@DanFrechette
The guitar itself lends something to the sound. Gibson L style archtop built by Lloyd Loar
@harper-nicoleanderson7622
I am blessed to have seen Maybelle and June Carter Cash perform in the seventies at a bluegrass concert in Virginia.
@ZZZZAS
December 19, 2014 - Austin, Texas - Sending love and wishes for a blessed Christmas season for the entire Carter clan. You've given us so much! Thank you! God Bless Y'all Forever!!! Peace
@MarkSmith-nw4os
Maybelle started out on a banjo. This was the first song she learned to play on the guitar. Mike Seeger put out a vid with an exelent lesson.
@brownie1341
I did not realize this song went back to 1875. Jimmie Brown