Region’s Musical Heritage focus of Conference at University of London

The Conference began on Friday, October 11, and featured discussions of the Anglo-Celtic roots of traditional American music, country music before the Carters, and the contributions and continuing influence of the Carter Family. Participants included: John Atkins, Janette Carter, Bill Clifton, Hazel Dickens, Charles Hirshberg, Paul Kingsbury, Bill Malone, Nolan Porterfield, Neil Rosenberg, Tony Russell, Mike Seeger and Mark Zwonitzer. On Saturday, October 12, 2002, the Institute of United States Studies sponsored a concert, featuring performances of the music of the Carter Family, and other old-time American music, by Janette Carter, Bill Clifton, Hazel Dickens and Mike Seeger.

Seventy-five years ago, in August 1927, the Carter Family of Maces Spring, Virginia - A.P., Sara, and Maybelle - were first recorded by Ralph Peer during a Victor recording session in downtown Bristol, Tennessee. They went on to record over three hundred songs which have become standards of country, bluegrass, and folk music, earning them the title of “the first family of American country music.”

“I think that it is wonderful that an institution such as the University of London would honor the Carter Family and their achievements in this way,” commented Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. “To have an event like this seventy-five years after they first recorded in Bristol shows the true reach of their music and its worldwide appeal.” Earlier this summer, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance staged a celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Bristol Sessions with ten days of concerts in eight venues in three states.

Rita Forrester, granddaughter of A.P. and Sarah Carter, stated she was looking forward to accompanying her mother on the trip and that “we’re honored to be going.” She hoped that they could take some time to rest and enjoy the trip. “Things have been so busy this summer – with all the attention from the 75th anniversary celebration, the members of the media, and the weekly crowds at the [Carter Family] Fold.” She added that after they return, they will be leaving again for Louisville, Kentucky, where the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) will be presenting Janette Carter with a Lifetime Achievement award.