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 Carterâs grandson Dale Jett, Maybelle Carterâs 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
The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in Texas
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just gallopin' 'long
I love to sing
This yodeling cowboy song.
Yodel
(Talking)
T for Tennessee
T for Texas
T for Tennessee
T for old Thelma
That gal that made a wreck out of me
Yodel
If you don't want me momma
You sure don't have to stall
If you don't want me momma
You sure don't have to stall
'Cause I can get more women
Than a passenger train can haul
Yodel
The Carter Family's song "The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in Texas" is a classic country song that tells a story of a cowboy who travels on a lonesome trail, singing his cowboy song with a yodel. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, as they depict the love of a cowboy for his lifestyle and music. The chorus of the song repeats the letter T, with the first two iterations representing the states of Texas and Tennessee, while the third T stands for a woman named Thelma, who has caused trouble for the singer. The repetition of the letter T in the chorus creates a catchy tune that makes the song memorable.
The verses of the song continue with the theme of woman trouble, as the cowboy sings about how he can easily find more women than a passenger train can haul. He also assures his mother that she doesn't have to stall if she doesn't want him. The combination of the cowboy's love for his lifestyle, his music, and his ability to attract women, all create an image of a lonesome cowboy who is reveling in his freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I go down that lonesome trail
I enjoy traveling down the solitary road while mounted on a horse.
Just gallopin' 'long
I am cantering effortlessly while enjoying the scenery.
I love to sing
I derive immense pleasure from singing.
This yodeling cowboy song.
I find great joy in singing a song that includes yodeling and pays homage to the cowboy way of living.
T for Texas
The letter 'T' represents the state of Texas in the following lyrics.
T for Tennessee
The letter 'T' represents the state of Tennessee in the following lyrics.
T for Texas
The letter 'T' represents the state of Texas in the following lyrics.
T for Tennessee
The letter 'T' represents the state of Tennessee in the following lyrics.
T for old Thelma
The letter 'T' represents the first letter of the name of a woman named Thelma, who brought great disorder into my life.
That gal that made a wreck out of me
Thelma caused chaos and devastation in my life.
If you don't want me momma
If you do not have a desire to be with me as a partner maternal figure,
You sure don't have to stall
you should let me know without further delay.
'Cause I can get more women
Because I am quite successful in attracting and wooing numerous desirable women.
Than a passenger train can haul
I can acquire more female companions than a passenger train can transport.
Yodel
Expressing joy through melodic shouts or yodels.
Contributed by Evan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
floydy opz
I love the record where Jimmie visits the Carter Family, so discovering this one was a real treat, thanks!