Post by Brian on Jun 26, 2009 12:17:08 GMT -5
02/15/07 at 12:20 PM
ecalhoun
I was talking to a bluegrass scholar, one of the organizers of Merlefest, up in Wilkesboro. He told me this bit I had never heard before about the writer of the original ballad: "Walter Kid Smith stood out in front of die house singing the ballads for quarters from tourists. We cannot appreciate today what a big deal the Lawson murders were in the 1930s."
Break of Dawn Productions
"Bringing Light to the Darkest Night"
ecalhoun
02/15/07 at 12:50 PM
jackhammer
That must have been a surreal scene at the house to have a tour with a live soundtrack.
It's great that after the film, you're still learning more about the story all the time, Eric.
Off topic: Anybody going to Merlefest this year? It'll be my first time.
Much of the evil in the world is brought about by people believing they are acting for good and righteous reasons. -
Margaret Weis
02/15/07 at 02:31 PM
Maria
That is so cool Eric. Thanks for letting us know about this.
Maria
02/15/07 at 02:55 PM
Matt32
Speaking of which, has anyone Else heard any of the stories about a geriatric gypsy-like Kid Smith traveling round Appalachia with a 60yr old lady contortionist known as Texas Tony puttin on shows anywhere and everywhere people could gather? I'd love to know more about this era, if so... I just got offered a glimpse by an older radio news director in wilkesboro and I'm hopin to hear from anyone else with some Kid Smith legends, folklore, tall tales, true stories, or recollections... this man was a Fascinating and widely beloved entertainer. That much is certain.
many can do what no One can-
together, we Can beat domestic violence-
Matt32
02/15/07 at 03:02 PM
Maria
He sounds like quite a character, I'd like to know more about him also.
Maria
ecalhoun
I was talking to a bluegrass scholar, one of the organizers of Merlefest, up in Wilkesboro. He told me this bit I had never heard before about the writer of the original ballad: "Walter Kid Smith stood out in front of die house singing the ballads for quarters from tourists. We cannot appreciate today what a big deal the Lawson murders were in the 1930s."
Break of Dawn Productions
"Bringing Light to the Darkest Night"
ecalhoun
02/15/07 at 12:50 PM
jackhammer
That must have been a surreal scene at the house to have a tour with a live soundtrack.
It's great that after the film, you're still learning more about the story all the time, Eric.
Off topic: Anybody going to Merlefest this year? It'll be my first time.
Much of the evil in the world is brought about by people believing they are acting for good and righteous reasons. -
Margaret Weis
02/15/07 at 02:31 PM
Maria
That is so cool Eric. Thanks for letting us know about this.
Maria
02/15/07 at 02:55 PM
Matt32
Speaking of which, has anyone Else heard any of the stories about a geriatric gypsy-like Kid Smith traveling round Appalachia with a 60yr old lady contortionist known as Texas Tony puttin on shows anywhere and everywhere people could gather? I'd love to know more about this era, if so... I just got offered a glimpse by an older radio news director in wilkesboro and I'm hopin to hear from anyone else with some Kid Smith legends, folklore, tall tales, true stories, or recollections... this man was a Fascinating and widely beloved entertainer. That much is certain.
many can do what no One can-
together, we Can beat domestic violence-
Matt32
02/15/07 at 03:02 PM
Maria
He sounds like quite a character, I'd like to know more about him also.
Maria