Recorded in Charlotte
Charlotte Country Music Story
Before the rise of Nashville, Charlotte ranked as one of the key radio and recording centers for the new genre of country music.
In 1985 the Folklife Section of the NC Arts Council teamed with Spirit Square Arts Center in Charlotte to put together a reunion of musicians active in the Queen City during the 1920s – 40s.
Thanks to project leader George Holt, Della Coulter, Tom Hanchett, Mary Anne McDonald, Paul Hultberg, concert MC George Hamilton IV and many others. This website, based on the booklet published in 1985, is created by Carol Sawyer with Kathy Crowe and Tom Hanchett.
Charlotte Country: a Sixty Year Tradition
Radio was the key to country music during the 1920s – 40s, and Charlotte’s WBT, second station to sign on in the South, led the way with hours of live performances each week. more >>
Recording in Charlotte 1927-1945
In the late 1930s, Charlotte ranked as perhaps the nation’s busiest country music recording center — and a hub for gospel, blues and jazz as well. more>> CD Liner Notes
Barbecue Any Old Time: Blues from the Pit, 1927 – 1942. (Old Hat Records CD 1008, released 2011). Introductory essay by Tom Hanchett explores links between BBQ and the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the urban North (including additional material cut from the CD notes due to space constraints).
Charlotte Blues: Luke Jordan, Andrew & Jim Baxter, Jack Gowdlock and More (Nehi Records CD NEH06, released 2014 in England). Introductory essay by Tom Hanchett offers context for this compilation of all the blues recordings made in the Queen City during the late 1920s and 1930s.
Musicians who took part in the Charlotte Country Music Story concerts
Briarhoppers and Charles Crutchfield
Joe and Janette Carter
Claude Casey
Tommy Faile
George Hamilton IV
Snuffy Jenkins and Homer “Pappy” Sherrill
Johnson Family Singers and Betty Johnson
Fred Kirby
Roy Lear
Wade Mainer
Bill Monroe
Zeke and Wiley Morris
Sam Poplin
Red Clay Ramblers
Arthur Smith
Tennessee Ramblers with Cecil Campbell and Harry Blair
Charlotte/Rock Hill Recordings available on CD (36 page pdf)