My dad was a real good old time fiddler. His hero was the late Tommy Jackson and he could rip it like Tommy. However he always chose music as a fun thing for him, never considered it for his livelihood.
He could also play the guitar, harmonica and sing. One of my first recollections of him was playing the fiddle or guitar for me and singing some of those old time folk or hill songs like "She'll be coming around the Mountain," etc.
I was delighted and fascinated when he would play songs on his fiddle like "The Cacklin' Hen," "Orange Blossom Special," "Flop Eared Mule," "Listen to The Mocking Bird," etc. He could make all those cool bird sounds, mule braying sounds, train sounds, etc. I remember hearing all of that before I ever started to school. No doubt it all influenced me.
My dad, would sit and play or practice his fiddle in the dark. He often did this on the front porch swing at our old farm house. He could also play beautiful waltzes which were really his favorite.
When asked the difference between a violin and a fiddle. He would grin and say you carry a violin in a case and a fiddle you carry in a toe-sack.
That's what country people referred to for a feed sack that farm animal grains came in.
I miss him and his music even though he's been gone for over 30 years now. Lost my mom just a few days ago and this topic encouraged me to reflect on a happier time in my life. Thanks!
GOD bless!
Terry Wood
