1: Theme / Cannon Ball Blues (2:19) 2: The Story Of Charlie And Nelly (1:36) 3: One Little Word / Alabama Gal (2:54) 4: You Are My Sunshine / Happy Or Lonesome (2:56) 5: Oh, Susanna / On My Way To Canaan's Land (2:37) 6: Going Back To Texas / Great Speckled Bird (3:34) 7: Oh, Death / Don't Bury Me On The Lone Prairie (3:07) 8: When The Spring Roses Are Blooming / Chinese Breakdown (2:29) 9: Way Down Yonder In The Cumberland Mts. / Let The Church Roll On (1:55) 10: Broken Engagement / I Shall Not Be Moved (4:17) 11: Dark Haired True Lover / In Your Care (3:15) 12: Theme / Station ID (1:17) 13: Theme / The Old Lades' Home (2:30) 14: The Winding Stream (2:28) 15: Miner's Blues / Columbus Stockade Blues (3:46) 16: No Home / Prisoner's Dream (3:52) 17: Something Got A Hold Of Me / Spirit Of Love (2:50) 18: Worried Man Blues (1:52) 19: Giddyup Go / Sittin' On Top Of The World (2:48) 20: My Virginia Rose (2:13) 21: Cyclone Of Rye Cove (1:59) 22: Wade In The Water / Charlie Brooks (3:36) 23: Anchored In Love (2:07) 24: I've Been Working On The Railroad / I'll Be Satisfied (2:52) 25: Theme Out & Station ID (1:01)
Description:
From radio transcription discs made in Texas in 1939.
Track durations taken from CD player (not given on product).
"On Border Radio - 1939: Vol. 3" on CD presents a fascinating historical document of American roots music by the legendary Carter Family, captured during their 1939 radio broadcasts from the Mexican "border radio" stations. These recordings convey the intimate, direct atmosphere of live radio performances: close-harmony vocals, simple yet expressive acoustic guitar work and a repertoire that moves between heartfelt ballads, spirituals and early country standards. The sound preserves the patina of the era, giving listening a genuine archival feel without losing the emotional impact of the songs. This volume is ideal for collectors, country and Americana enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of popular music in the first half of the 20th century. As part of a series, it complements the other volumes while standing strongly on its own as a cohesive listening experience centered around the Carter Family's distinctive sound and storytelling.
The Carter Family are widely recognized as one of the foundational groups in country and folk music. Formed by A.P. Carter, his wife Sara and his sister-in-law Maybelle, they helped define the sound and songbook of early country recording with their plainspoken lyrics, haunting harmonies and Maybelle Carter's influential guitar style. Their interpretations of songs such as "Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By)" and "Wildwood Flower" became enduring standards and influenced generations of artists in country, bluegrass and folk, from mid-century Nashville stars to the folk revival of the 1960s and beyond. Their commercial success in the early recording era and their lasting presence in the American musical canon have led many to regard them as the "first family of country music," and historic recordings like this 1939 radio material reveal why their impact has remained so profound.
The CD is released by Arhoolie, an independent label renowned for its dedication to documenting and preserving roots music in its most authentic form. Arhoolie has built its reputation by focusing on traditional and regional styles--such as country, blues, gospel, Cajun, Tex-Mex and other vernacular music--often recording artists and repertoires that were under-represented in the mainstream industry. With meticulous archival work and great respect for original sources, the label has contributed significantly to keeping important, otherwise fragile musical traditions accessible to new audiences. A release like "On Border Radio - 1939: Vol. 3" fits perfectly into Arhoolie's catalog, underscoring the label's role in safeguarding historically significant recordings and presenting them with care to fans, collectors and researchers alike.
