The Song That Started The Bluegrass Genre

Howdy,

Well...you can't have a bluegrass music style until you have two groups playing it. Molly and Tenbrooks is legendary for creating the bluegrass genre when The Stanley Brothers recorded "Molly And Tenbrooks" on Rich-R-Tone 418 in Sept. 1948 after hearing Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys perform it. Monroe's recording was made in October 1947 but not released until September 1949.



Molly and Tenbrooks
(click for a large image)

This is my painting of the famous horse race was held July 4, 1878 at the Kentucky Derby racetrack, Churchill Downs. The Derby started three years before in 1875. African-American jockey William Walker’s greatest victory was aboard Ten Broeck, owned by Frank Harper in a famed four-mile match race the California-based mare Molly McCarthy.

In the bottom left corner is a painting of the actual poster used to advertise the race. The bottom middle has the lyrics and if you read music you can play the song from this painting! The key Monroe sang the song in was the key of B; I put it in the key of C to make it easier.

Molly and Tenbrooks is a painting depicting the song about the great horse race held on July 4, 1878 at the Kentucky Derby racetrack, Churchill Downs. Actual accounts of the long four-mile race state that Molly led for over one mile then Ten Broeck took the lead pulling away in the last mile; Mollie pulled up never finishing the race.

My painting is based on the song version by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys made in October, 1947. In the song Molly take the lead then has a fever in her head. Monroe gets the horses mixed up one so verse; I changed it to: "Tenbrooks said to Molly you're looking mighty squirrel; Molly said to Tenbrooks I'm leaving this old world; Leaving this old world oh Lord; Leaving this old world."

In Monroe’s song as in the actual race Tenbrooks wins the race but in Monroe’s song Mollie dies: "Go and catch old Ten-Brooks and hitch him in the shade; We're gonna bury old Molly in a coffin ready made." My painting shows Molly’s jockey standing over the fallen horse. Above the tree where Tenbrooks is hitched in the shade, is Molly’s spirit running in the sky. The painting also includes the actual sheet music with notes painted in blue in the right hand corner.

Monroe recorded different versions. Here are the lyrics:

MOLLY AND TENBROOKS: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys- 1947

Run ol’ Molly run, run ol’ Molly run
Tenbrooks gonna beat you to the bright and shining sun
To the bright and shining sun oh Lord; bright and shining sun.

Tenbrooks was a big bay horse, he wore a shaggy mane
He run all 'round Memphis, and he beat the Memphis train
Beat the Memphis train oh Lord; Beat the Memphis train.

Tenbrooks said to Molly, what makes your head so red
Running in the hot sun with a fever in my head
Fever in my head oh Lord; Fever in my head

Out in California where Molly done as she pleased
She come back to old Kentucky, got beat with all ease
Beat with all ease oh Lord; Beat with all ease

Molly said to Tenbrooks you're looking mighty squirrel
Tenbrooks said to Molly I'm leaving this old world
Leaving this old world oh Lord, leaving this old world.

The women's all a-laughing, the children all a-crying
Men all a-hollering old Tenbrooks a- flying
Ol’ Tenbrooks a- flying oh Lord; Ol’ Tenbrooks a-flying

Kiper, Kiper, you're not riding right
Molly's a beating old Tenbrooks clear out of sight
Clear out of sigh oh Lord; Clear out of sight

Kiper, Kiper, Kiper my son
Give old Tenbrooks the bridle and let old Tenbrooks run
Let old Tenbrooks run oh Lord; Let old Tenbrooks run

Go and catch old Tenbrooks and hitch him in the shade
We're gonna bury old Molly in a coffin ready made
In a coffin ready made oh Lord; In a coffin ready made

Bill Monroe's versions on Knee Deep in Bluegrass, Decca DL-8731, LP, cut# 11; 16 All-Time Greatest Hits, Columbia CS 1065, LP (197?), cut# 1; Essential Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys. 1945-49. Vol 2, Columbia CT 52480, Cas (1992), cut# 14. Also included on some versions is this verse:

See old Molly coming, she's coming around the curve.
See old Tenbrooks running, straining every nerve.
Straining every nerve, Lord, straining every nerve.

I like the line, “Molly said to Tenbrooks you're looking mighty squirrel.” It’s also interesting to note that Monroe has his horses mixed up in that line. It should be Tenbrooks telling Mollie “she’s looking mighty squirrel,” after all Molly dies not Tenbrook. Clearly Monroe learned the song that way- so the song is a song that he learned from another source. Monroe may have arranged it, but he wouldn't have written the verse wrong.

Here's the correct verse:

Tenbrooks said to Molly you're looking mighty squirrel,
Molly said to Tenbrooks I'm leaving this old world,
Leaving this old world oh Lord; Leaving this old world.

Next blog we'll look more at the history of this song.

Richard

Darlin' Corey: Song Notes and Close-ups

Close-up "Dig a hole in the meadow."

Close-up "Darlin' Corey Sleeping By Moonshine Jug"

Close-up "Darlin' Corey sitting by the sea"

Close-up "Revenuers find her moonshine still"

Song Notes: Darlin' Corey is known by many names including "Dig a Hole in the Meadow," "Darlin' Cora," "Little Lulie," "Darling Cora," "Corey, Corey." It's related to "Little Maggie" "Country Blues" and other white mountain blues.

Here's a list of some recordings by date: Little Corey - Clarence Gill (01/06/1927); Darling Cora - Buell Kazee (04/19/1927); Darlin' Cora - B.F. Shelton (07/29/1927); Little Lulie - Dick Justice (ca.05/1929); Darling Corey - Monroe Brothers (06/21/1936); Little Lulie - Homer Brierhopper (06/09/1938); Doc Watson (1963); Monroe Brothers (1964); Single: Bill Monroe & his Blue Grass Boys (1964).

For a good video of an authentic version, watch Mike Seeger on UTube (link below):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_G0vVo7zBU

The first collected version was made by Cecil Sharp in 1918 from English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians (1932, no. 152; with tune).THE GAMBLING MAN (version B) (Sung by Mrs. Clercy Deeton at Mine Fork, Burnsville, N.C., Sept. 19, 1918)

1. My pocketbook full of money,

My friends all a-standing around;

My pocketbook are empty,

And I ain't got a friend to be mine.

2. Last night as I lay on my pillow,

Last night as I lay on my bed,

Last night as I lay on my pillowI

dreamed little Bessy was dead.

3. Go dig me a hole in the meadow,

Go dig me a hole in the ground,

Go dig me a hole in the meadow

When I lie this poor gambler down.

4. The first time I saw darling Corie,

She had a dram glass,

Drinking away her trouble

And a-going with a gambling man.

5. The next time I saw darling Corie,

She had a sweet smile on her face;

Drinking away her troubles

And a-going in another girl's place.

Another printed early version was from the singing of Aunt Molly Jackson and is found in Our Singing Country (John and Alan Lomax, 1941). Mt. Airy, North Carolina, fiddler Tommy Jarrell remembered the tune "going around" the Round Peak area (where he grew up) around 1915 or 1916, and became quite popular with the younger folk.

Little Maggie and Darlin' Corey are similar songs. Some of the lyrics appear in both songs. The chords are frequently played the same but the melody of each song is distinctly different. The Darlin' Corey songs have the "Dig a hole" verse, and the revenuers (or highway robbers) verse. The last verse was found in the Monroe Brothers recordings done in the 1930s; it's also in the Aunt Molly Jackson version.

There are 20 lyric versions and more info on my web-site: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/fiddle.html

Richard

Darlin' Corey

Greetings,

Today we'll look at the bluegrass song, Darlin' Corey. My painting from my Bluegrass Series is above (click to enlarge).

Darlin’ Corey 30" by 40" Acrylic on canvas. C 2008. The song Darlin’ Corey has been recorded by most of the top bluegrass pickers and was a crossover hit for Bruce Hornsby. The song is similar in form and chord structure to Little Maggie though they are distinctly different songs. In some versions some of the lyrics have floated between the songs.

The painting is a series of four scenes:

1) Darlin’ Corey sitting by the sea with a forty-four around her body and a banjo on her knee.

2) Darlin’ Corey sleeping after drinking too much corn liquor. A possum tries to wake her and warn her the revenuers are coming.

3) Two revenuers spot Darlin’ Corey’s still.

4) A man digs a hole in the meadow (her grave) to lay Darlin’ Corey down. A bluebird sings on an overhead branch.

Darlin’ Corey is modeled loosely on the L’il Abner character Daisy Mae. The blond hair and outfit a striking appearance. The first scene (Darlin' Corey with banjo) is based on an actual cover of a L'il Abner comic strip. The challenge was to make a painting that included all these elements but still focused on the "Wake up wake up" verse. Here are the lyrics:

Darlin’ Corey

Wake up wake up darlin' Corey,
What makes you sleep so sound?
The revenue officers are coming,
They're gonna tear your still-house down.

Well the first time I seen Darlin' Corey,
She was sitting on the banks of the sea.
Had a forty-four around her body,
And a banjo on her knee.

Go away go away Darlin' Corey
Quit hanging around my bed.
Your liquor has ruined my body,
Pretty women gone to my head.

Dig a hole, dig a hole in the meadow,
Dig a hole in the cold, cold ground.
Dig a hole, dig a hole in the meadow,
Gonna lay Darlin' Corey down.

Can't you hear those bluebirds a-singing,
Don't you hear that mournful sound.
They're preaching Darlin' Corey's funeral
In some lonesome graveyard ground.

My lyrics are essentially those found in the early recordings done in the 1920's. The last verse is largely attributed to Bill Monroe, but who knows where he got it. Here's a version from the 1920s by Buell Kazee with solo banjo accompaniment:

http://www.juneberry78s.com/otmsampler/otmsampat53.html

The song has evolved since then but it still has that modal quality. It uses a dorian mode with a b7 and b3. I play it in the key of G with a capo on the 2nd fret (sometimes higher). Many people play the same chords as Little Maggie.

Next blog we'll look at some details from my painting. If you are interested in obtaining a print of this painting let me know: richiematt@aol.com

Richard

Upcoming Events

Hi,

After a busy weekend playing twice in Iowa and Illinois I have some bluegrass events coming up:

This Sat. Oct 4, 7:00-9:00 will feature Talentfest 2008 at the Clifton Center on 2117 Payne Street, Louisville KY 40206. The free concert is a benefit for SevenCounties a non-profit mental health provider. A reincarnation of the Bluegrass Messengers will appear featuring bluegrass prodigy Murrell Thixton- Banjo Vocals; Dennis Talley- Bass; John Dwyer- Mandolin Vocals and Richard Matteson- Guitar Vocals.

We are playing two short sets one at around 8:00 and one around 8:45. Come on out. I want to thank Murrell for his help playing!

THE HIGGINS MAXWELL GALLERY on 1200 Payne Street, Louisville, Ky 40204 will present American artist Richard L. Matteson Jr. from Oct. 10 until Nov 1. The show will open with a reception 6:00- 9:00 PM on Oct. 10. Matteson, who is nationally recognized musician, author and artist, will also present two musical performances at the gallery Oct. 11, 7:00 PM and Nov. 1, 7:00 PM. Admission is free. The Higgins-Maxwell gallery is open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. For information call Bob Higgins 502-584-7001.

If you want to see my Bluegrass Series paintings in person now is your chance. I'll also have most of my other artwork there (over 30 paintings). I'll also have some special guests performing with me on Oct. 11 and Nov. 1. We'll be playing the bluegrass painting songs.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum presents Richard L. Matteson Jr. in a performance/lecture Oct. 18 at 11:00 AM at Kentucky Music: Hall of Fame & Museum 2590 Richmond Road, Renfro Valley, Kentucky 40473. The show, featuring Matteson’s paintings of bluegrass songs, will include songs from Kentucky musicians such as Bill Monroe, Jean Ritchie, and Lilly May Ledford of the Coon Creek Girls.

Matteson has written 10 nationally released books for Mel Bay publications including his latest, "Bluegrass Picker's Tunebook" containing over 200 bluegrass songs. Matteson has performed or shared the stage nationally known stars Roy Clark, Chet Atkins and Doc Watson.

Thanks,

Richard

Bury Me Beneath the Willow- Songnotes

Hi,

This blog will give you some info about the song, "Bury Me Beneath the Willow." The song is also titled as "Under the Willow" (not Stephen Foster's song) and "Weeping Willow Tree." To see a painting of the song see my last blog below (click on picture to make large).

This ballad was popularized mainly by the Carter Family who recorded it on Victor 21074 in 1927; and later on Bluebird B-6053 in 1935. They also recorded a remake of the song, "Answer to Weeping Willow," on Decca 5234 in 1936. Here's a recording done by The Carter Family:

http://honkingduck.com/78s/listen.php?s=20404A

The first recording was done by Henry Whitter, "The Weeping Willow Tree" on OKeh 40187, 1924 (rec. 1923). Possibly from Whitter's recording followed Ernest V. Stoneman's, "Bury Me Beneath the Weeping Willow" (CYL: Edison [BA] 5187, 1927) (Edison 51909, 1927) and Ernest Thompson, "Weeping Willow Tree" (Columbia 15001-D, 1924).

The Carter Family may have heard Whitter's version since they also recorded for Ralph Peer and Victor. From the song notes by Charles K. Wolfe in the book included with the Bear Family Box Set: "Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow was a song both Sara and Maybelle had known since childhood. Like many mountain songs, it was probably based on a 19th century parlor song though nobody has yet been able to identify an exact source."

Since essentially the same lyrics were collected in Missouri by Belden in 1909 we can assume there is a single source for the song that hasn't been found. Here are two sets of lyric from Belden:


UNDER THE WILLOW TREE (Belden A)

MS Ballad book of Ada Belle Cowden, Boone Co., Belden version A, p. 483, H. M. Belden, Ballads and Songs Collected by the Missouri Folk-Lore Society.


My heart is broken, I am in sorrow
For the only one I love.
I ne'er shall see his face again
Unless we meet in heaven above.

Chorus:Then bury me beneath the willow,
Beneath the weeping willow tree,
And when he knows that I am sleeping
Then perhaps he'll come and weep for me.

They told me that he did not love me;
But how could I believe them true
Until an angel came and whispered,
'He will prove untrue'?

Tomorrow was to be my wedding day;
But gone! oh, gone! oh, where is he?
He's gone to wed another bride
And all alone he has left me.

UNDER THE WILLOW TREE (Belden B)

Secured in 1909. Role of sexes reversed.Version B, H. M. Belden, Ballads and Songs Collected by the Missouri Folk-Lore Society, p. 483.


My heart is broken, I am sorry,
Over the one that I love.
I know that I shall never see her
Unless we meet in heaven above.

Chorus:Bury me beneath the willow,
Beneath the weeping willow tree,
And when she knows that I am sleeping
Perhaps she'll sometimes think of me.

Once she told me that she loved me;
How could I think her untrue
Until an angel whispered softly,
'Oh, she does not care for you'?

Tomorrow is our wedding day.
Where, oh, where is she?
She's gone to love another fellow.
Oh, she does not care for me.

The song was recorded by many of the early country artists including Burnett & Rutherford; Riley Puckett; Delmore Brothers; Lily Brothers and the Monroe Brothers in 1937. Since then it's remained popular in bluegrass circles being covered by Kingston Trio and later Skaggs and Rice.

You can hear it played by Tony Rice, Alison Krauss, David Grisman, JD Crowe, and Mark Schatz on UTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzA68Ohwke4

Maybe the source song from the 1800s will be found, but for now we don't know where the song originated.

Thanks,

Richard

Bury Me Beneath The Willow

Hi,

Today we'll look at another song painting from my Bluegrass Series, "Bury Me Beneath the Willow."

My painting on the left depicts the elements of the song from the lyrics which appear on the grave headstone (left bottom corner).

Here are the lyrics:

Bury Me Beneath the Willow

Bury me beneath the willow,

Under the weeping willow tree.

When she hears that I am sleeping,

Maybe then she’ll weep for me.

My heart is sad and I'm in sorrow,

For the only one I love.

When will I see her, no, no, never,

Till we meet in heav’n above.

Tomorrow was to be our wedding,

But, Lord, where can she be?

She’s gone, she’s gone to court another,

She no longer cares for me.

She told me that she dearly loved me,

How could she be untrue.

Until an angel softly whispered,

She no longer cares for you.

Place on my grave a snow-white lily,

And on my tomb a turtle dove,

So if she sometimes comes to see me,

She will know I died for love.

The painting is 30" by 40" and even on 12" by 16" prints you can clearly see the details (this image is not very clear). His love is weeping and kneels at his grave. She is holding the leaves of the snow-white lily and on the tomb is a white turtle dove. Above in the clouds on the left is the angel whispering and in the clouds on the right the lovers meet in Heaven above.

In the next blog I will go into the details of the history of the song.

Till next time,

Richard Matteson

Banjo Pickin Girl

Hi,

This Blog will show detailed images from the painting, Banjo Pinckin' Girl that I showed in my first Blog.

The Coon Creek Girls actual song can be heard here:

http://honkingduck.com/78s/listen.php?s=20474A

There are other additional lyrics that I didn't include in my picture. The great thing about this song is that you can write your own lyrics. All you have to do is pick a destination (or a state) and rhyme it at the end of the third line.

In the first close-up as an added touch of humor I painted a possum in a persimmon tree watching a raccoon pump the water in the ocean. Without the raccoon the ship would have no ocean to sail on!

The next close-up shows Lily May and the doorway that opens to the world. The next close-up shows the lyrics.

The Banjo Pickin’ Girl lyrics offer the image: Goin’ ‘cross the ocean, baby mine. The sky from the previous image (Goin’ To Tennessee) turns into the rocks and the ocean froth. Crossing the ocean is a small sailing vessel.

The last close-up shows her riding to Tennessee. The lake is in the shape of that state.

Hope you like the images and the painting. If you want more info please e-mail me.

Thanks,

Richard