Far Side Banks of Jordan

Three versions of "Far Side Banks of Jordan ". The first by the Carter Family, probably from the 1950's or early 60's, although the video in this one does not actually go with the audio. The second performance by Johnny Cash and June Varter Cash probably from around 2000. Finally a very recent version by the Cox Family.

Keep On The Sunny Side

The Avett Brothers and Brandi Carlile preforming "Keep On The Sunny Side".

Where You There

Johnny Cash & The Carter Family - Where You There

Carter's Melody

Throwback Thursday—Joe & Janette Carter sing "Carter's Melody", made up primarily of titles of songs their parents, Sara and A.P., sang in the original Carter Family.

Ol' Time Meet Up

Since Jimmie Rodgers died in 1933, this would have to be before that. I am assuming this is staged, but here is a visit by Rodgers with the Carter Family, supposedly on Clinch Mountain.

When I'm Gone

In 1931 the Carter Family recorded "When I'm Gone". I wonder what A.P., Sara and Maybelle would think if they knew that 82 years later a new version of the song would make it to the pop charts. Here is Anna Kendrick with her version, "Cups (Pitch Perfect's "When I'm Gone")"



This a pretty obscure Carter Family song, not the better known song "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone". I cannot find a version of the original song on the internet, but here is a version of the song by Charlie Monroe that sounds a lot like the original recording.

Carter Family Flash Mob

"Will the Circle be Unbroken" performed by a flash mob in Portland, Oregon.

Carter Family Flash Mob, Portland, Oregon from Beth Harrington on Vimeo.

No Depression

I found this clip when I was looking for Levon Helm video. Here is Sheryl Crow with Helm and his band performing the Carter Family song "No Depression" 

I'll Be Satisified

"I'll be Satisfied" performed by Maybelle & Sara Carter, and Johnny Cash.

The Sunny Side

Considering that the temperature is about to go to 100, this seems to be an appropriate song to post right. The sunny side is about the only side there is these days.

"Keep on the Sunny Side" - Mother Maybelle Carter, and her daughters, Helen and Anita.



Another version by Mac Wiseman, Earl Scruggs and Charlie Daniels.

No Hiding Place Down Here

This week's gospel song is "No Hiding Place Down Here". Here is a version performed by June Carter Cash and Mother Maybelle



This is the original Carter Family recording. My guess is this was the first recording of this song.

1929 Stock Market Crash

The 1929 Stock Market Crash happened 80 years ago this week. So here are a couple songs on the general theme of money and depression.

The sales of records dropped after the crash, and many recording artists at the time lost their contracts and sank into obscurity. The Carter Family—A.P., Sara and Maybelle—were one of the few recording artist with careers that survived the crash. So to recognize that I am including their song "No Depression In Heaven". Of course this was long before film or video, and I don't want to include anyone else doing the song. So here is the audio of their recording.



The Carter Family first recorded in Bristol Tennessee in the summer of 1927. These Bristol Sessions are generally considered to be the first recordings of Country Music. Also recording there was Blind Alfred Reed, one of the many artist who sank into obscurity during the depression. His song—recorded in 1929—"How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live" is still performed today. Bruce Springsteen has covered it, and here is a video of the song sung by Ry Cooder.



It was not my intention to do a post of performers who recorded at the 1927 Bristol Sessions, but since we already have two we might as well add another one. Jimmie Rodgers also made his first recording their. His career almost certainly would have survived the depression, but he died from tuberculosis in 1933. Here is his song "Hobo Bill's Last Ride".



One last song unrelated to anyone from the Bristol Sessions. Here is Del McCoury performing a John Herald song, "Moneyland".