Ramble On, Charlie Poole March 22, 2016 On March 22, 1892, Charlie Poole, banjoist extraordinaire and founder of the old–time music pioneers known as the North Carolina Ramblers, was born in Randolph County. At an early age Poole moved to Spray (now Eden in Rockingham County) and, over the course of his short life, achieved near-legendary status. Although he died in 1931, before reaching age 40, his star continues to rise to this day. Partnering with two neighbors, Poole made some of the first known country music records. His high-pitched vocal style was a hit. The Ramblers’ fan base extended from the Piedmont cotton mills all across the nation. Music historian Bill Malone concluded that No string band in early country music equaled the Ramblers’ controlled, clean, well-patterned sound. Poole had smashed his right hand in a childhood baseball accident, leaving his fingers curled and leading him to favor a three-finger banjo picking style. Stories about his drinking, rambling, and carousing are widespread. His style of living prefigured that of Hank Williams a generation later. In recent years re-releases of his works, featuring songs such as “Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister” and “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down” have reached new audiences. Other related resources: Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music on NCpedia The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina from the N.C. Arts Council A guide to the performing arts in North Carolina from the N.C. Arts Council For more about North Carolina’s history, arts, nature and culture, visit DNCR online. To receive these updates automatically each day, make sure you subscribe by email using the box on the right, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Ramble On, Charlie Poole March 22, 2016 On March 22, 1892, Charlie Poole, banjoist extraordinaire and founder of the old–time music pioneers known as the North Carolina Ramblers, was born in Randolph County. At an early age Poole moved to Spray (now Eden in Rockingham County) and, over the course of his short life, achieved near-legendary status. Although he died in 1931, before reaching age 40, his star continues to rise to this day. Partnering with two neighbors, Poole made some of the first known country music records. His high-pitched vocal style was a hit. The Ramblers’ fan base extended from the Piedmont cotton mills all across the nation. Music historian Bill Malone concluded that No string band in early country music equaled the Ramblers’ controlled, clean, well-patterned sound. Poole had smashed his right hand in a childhood baseball accident, leaving his fingers curled and leading him to favor a three-finger banjo picking style. Stories about his drinking, rambling, and carousing are widespread. His style of living prefigured that of Hank Williams a generation later. In recent years re-releases of his works, featuring songs such as “Can I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister” and “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down” have reached new audiences. Other related resources: Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music on NCpedia The Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina from the N.C. Arts Council A guide to the performing arts in North Carolina from the N.C. Arts Council For more about North Carolina’s history, arts, nature and culture, visit DNCR online. To receive these updates automatically each day, make sure you subscribe by email using the box on the right, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
