Most music historians consider the first “country” record to be Little Log Cabin in the Lane - performed by Fiddlin’ John Carson and recorded by Ralph Peer for Okeh Records in Atlanta, GA circa 1923. In 1927, Mr. Peer again made history when he traveled to Bristol, TN, set up a temporary recording studio, and put out the word that he was looking for musicians. Among those who responded were A.P. Carter and Family, Jimmie Rodgers, and Pop Stoneman. These recordings later became known as the Bristol Sessions. You can buy a CD of classic  Bristol Session recordings- and learn more about early country music history- at  the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Charles K. Wolfe is a respected country music historian and writer. Be sure to visit our Charles Wolfe Book Store for more information on his books.

In the Twenties, string bands- or hillbilly music- had already become hugely popular on many radio stations. The bands just showed up and played live into the microphone. The advent of quality portable recording equipment made it possible for the popularity of early country radio to really become entrenched. This was both good and bad for the musicians. The record companies got into this genre mostly by accident, and they were amazed that the records sold in such large numbers. The musicians were usually paid a flat fee for their performance, while the radio stations quickly saw the advantages in playing records on the air instead of live music.

At roughly the same time, John Lomax was taking advantage of the portable recording equipment to travel the U.S. and collect the music of the common folk- whether it be Appalachian style country or Mississippi Delta blues. A few years later, about 1938, Frank and Anne Warner began their massive collection of folk songs primarily from the East Coast states. Some of the best of these early recordings made their way into The Anthology of American Folk Music, compiled by Harry Smith.

The Old Time Music Home Page provides a wealth of information- both on the history of the music and on the performers still playing old time music today.