Chapter 18. The Autoharp in Old-Time Southern Music

Audio Examples

Stoney's Waltz
Composed for the autoharp around 1930. This was the first autoharp instrumental to issued on a commercial record in 1957 for Folkways. Several other songs with autoharp were also on the same disc. This recording was made on December 10, 1961 at Mr. Stoneman's home, in Carmody Hills. Maryland.

Bile 'em Cabbage Down
The third, fourth, and fifth verses were composed by Mr. Stoneman. One of the best known instrumentals with words from the south. Performed by Ernest Stoneman (autoharp and vocal), Mike Seeger (five string banjo) and recorded on December 10, 1961.
The following are the words form the first verse:
Wish I had a nickel
And I wish I had a dime
Wish I had a pretty little girl
To kiss and call her mine
Chorus:
Bile 'em cabbage down-a-boys
Bake the hoecakes brown
The only song that I can sing
Is bile 'em cabbage down

Tragic Romance
This tune is from an early 'hillbilly' ballad sung by the Morris Brothers. Mr. Snow ended the tune because (as can be heard) a string on his autoharp popped on the last time through. Performed by Kilby Snow (autoharp), Hazel Dickens (guitar), Mike Seeger (Wade Ward's five string banjo) and recorded in August of 1957.

The audio excerpts heard here and were recorded and edited by Mike Seeger and released on a Smithsonian Folkways Recording titled Mountain Music Played in the Autoharp. The notes included here were taken from the liner notes also written by Mike Seeger which accompany the recording.

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