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
Kitty Waltz
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz
The girls are singing, their guitars are ringing
Their steps are so neat, their music so sweet
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Boys, come on and join our band
Their guitars are ringing, their music is grand
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz
The song Kitty Waltz by The Carter Family is a playful invitation to dance. The lyrics urge Kitty and everyone else to waltz while the guitars play their tune. The song is upbeat and catchy, creating a lively environment for dancing. The first verse encourages Kitty specifically to waltz, while the second verse invites boys to join in the band, playing their guitars alongside the girls.
The song has a playful and innocent feel to it, reflecting the simpler times of the early 20th century. It is a reminder of the importance of dancing and music as a form of socialization and enjoyment, particularly in rural communities. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the joy of dancing and encourages everyone to join in the fun.
Overall, Kitty Waltz is a light-hearted, wholesome song that is as relevant today as it was when it was originally written. It encourages everyone to simply let go and dance, reminding us that music and movement have the power to bring us together and bring joy into our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Let's all dance the waltz, Kitty included
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Let's all dance together and enjoy ourselves
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Dancing is a joyful activity to be shared by all
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz
The music is playing and it's time to dance
The girls are singing, their guitars are ringing
The women are providing the music for the dance and their voices and instruments are in harmony
Their steps are so neat, their music so sweet
The dancing and music are both elegant and enjoyable
Boys, come on and join our band
The women invite the men to join them in playing music and dancing
Their guitars are ringing, their music is grand
The music being played is of high quality and uplifting
Contributed by Jake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
XZYAFFAIR
Sarah and Maybelle had great harmony.
buck wheat
aunt sara always looks so serious but what harmony =)
buck wheat
rock it maybelle rock it fingerpicking rocks o yah