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Smith's Rag

  • Smith's Rag

    Arthur Smith (1898-1971) was in a bad career slump by 1940. Formerly one of the best-known fiddlers on radio, he had been fired from the Grand Ole Opry in 1938 for his incorrigible drinking, and was playing small-town radio stations with mediocre pickup bands. He got this last chance to record in 1940, but had no accompanists fit to take into a studio. Then he found out that Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys were scheduled to record that same day. He made his way to Nashville, and persuaded Monroe to give him a ride to Atlanta and loan him two Blue Grass Boys for backup.

    Arthur Smith and his Dixie Liners: Arthur Smith, fiddle; Clyde Moody, guitar; Bill Wesbrooks, bass.

    Z Atlanta GA 10/7/40 Bluebird B-8662

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