 Maben native Charles Smith has been a part of the fiddling tradition in Mississippi for over sixty years. He began playing the instrument when he was seven, learning the basics from his father. He also learned from listening to the musicians on the Grand Ole Opry, the live country music radio show broadcast from Nashville that influenced many of the musicians from his generation. By the time he was twelve Smith began entering local fiddle contests, often competing against older musicians. He also played with several local groups, including Uncle Pat and the Sunshine Boys who performed live on a radio station in Greenwood. Smith is still an active musician and plays many of the older fiddle tunes, including those that originated in Mississippi, like "Carroll County Blues."
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Photograph and audio courtesy of Norman
Mellin, ã
1999 NCM |
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