Moonshine Kate: Rosa Lee Carson Johnson (1909-1992) - Fulton County

Moonshine Kate (Rosa Lee Carson) was one of the earliest recorded women in country music.  She was born on October 10, 1909 in Atlanta. An accomplished guitarist and banjo player, she started performing as a child with her father, Fiddlin' John Carson.  In 1928 she adopted the name Moonshine Kate.  In 1983 she was inducted,  along with her father, into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. Rosa died in 1992 in Bainbridge, GA.   

 Moonshine Kate's Guitar is currently housed in the Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Here is a fun tune written by Rosa Carson and recorded in 1931.  It is entitled My Man's a Jolly Railroad Man.  Enjoy.

Walton Couhty - James Gideon Tanner

James Gideon Tanner (Gid) was an influential old-time fiddler and was one of the first stars of what would later be called counry music. Gid and his band, The Skillet Lickers, recorded between 1926 and 1934.  This song, Down Yonder, was one of the last recorded by the band in 1934.

Mr. Tanner was born in Walton County.  Most of the sites I find say he was born in or near Thomas Bridge.  I have not been able to find where Thomas Bridge is located.  So if anyone knows I would love to hear from you.   When he was not performing Mr. Tanner spent time on his farm in Gwinnett County. He died in Dacula, GA in 1960. 

Between 1913 and 1935 Mr. Tanner a regular at the Georgia Old-Time Fiddlers' Conventions held in Atlanta. His main rival during these years was Fiddlin' John Carson. it is said that it was usually either Carson or Tanner who won these competitions. Although he stopped recording in 1934, Mr. Tanner continued performing well into his 70's. 

I hope you enjoy the song. It is a treat from the early days of recorded music in Georgia.