"Broken Down Gambler," a lively and unusual fiddle tune was recorded by the famous Georgia band The Skillet Lickers. The year was 1930, the place was Atlanta, the key was G major. Beyond that there is little agreement. According to various sources, there were two fiddlers; there was only one and it was Clayton McMichen; no it wasn't, it was Lowe Stokes; no it was both of them; there were three because Bert Layne played as well; yes he did but one of the three was Gid Tanner; no it wasn't, Gid played banjo on this cut; no he didn't, that was Fate Norris; it was not, that was Ted Hawkins on banjo-mandolin; no it was both of them while Gid Tanner played jew's harp. And so on. Let's go by the sonic evidence, shall we?
This story is from the Fall 2022 edition of Fiddler Magazine.
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This story is from the Fall 2022 edition of Fiddler Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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