Carl Rutherford Passes Away

Carl Rutherford performs at the Bristol Mural Stage during the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC.

Carl Rutherford passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2006 in the hospital at Bristol. Carl had been sick for several months. He was survived by his wife Franki Patton-Rutherford.

Rutherford worked the mines as a youth until bad health forced him to find another line of work. He is a composer of strong mining songs including “Tops Off Our Pretty Mountains”. Rutherford is also a fine guitar player in the style of country music pioneers, Dick Justice and Frank Hutchison. Carl was a featured performer at the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival program on Appalachian music and culture. In addition to being a wonderful songwriter, a terrific singer and guitar player with several CD’s out, Carl was also one of the founders of Big Creek People In Action and served on its board for many years.

A memorial celebration featuring music, singing, and good food will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 2-5 at the Big Creek People in Action Center in Caretta, West Virginia. Musicians and singers are invited and encouraged to come and share their music. Franki requests that no flowers be sent but if folks want to make a donation, they can donate to Big Creek in Carl’s memory at BCPIA, HC 32, Box 541, Caretta, WV 24821.

More information about Carl Rutherford