Just wanted everyone to know that I have posted a video of our December CAMPS
meeting. It was especially interesting because we had the pleasure of having
Kinney Rorrer speak at our meeting. He was recently featured on the PBS
special: "Give Us The Banjo". Kinney is a very entertaining speaker and very
knowledgeable about early country music and has a fantastic collection of
records and machines. His greatgrandfather was Charlie Poole, one of the early
recording artists of the genre.
www.carolinaphonosociety.com
One of our members, Brantley Kuglar, wrote the following review:
December 4, Program: Kinney Rorrer - The Wreck of the Old 97
All in attendance were in for a real treat as Kinney Rorrer told the history of
the circumstances that led to the classic song. Kinney with his great wit and
teaching technique told the story of how the wreck of the Old 97 occurred when
the engineer, 33 year old Joseph A. ("Steve") Broady, was at the controls of
engine number 1102. The train was operating at a very high rate of speed in
order to stay on schedule and arrive at Spencer on time. The wreck claimed nine
lives, including Steve, as he was scalded to death. The Wreck of the Old 97
served as inspiration for many, with the most famous being the first recorded
by G. B. Grayson and Henry Whitter. Vernon Dalhart's version was released in
1924 (Victor Record no. 19427). This record is sometimes cited as the first
million-selling country music release in the American record industry.
Kinney complemented his presentation with great versions of the song, sheet
music, and actual photographs of the wreck. This writer could write all night
on the interesting points shared by Kinney. CAMPS is looking forward to
Kinney's next class!
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