Description

This release contains more than 50 outstanding fiddle tunes from John Dee Kennedy of Pawnee, Oklahoma. At the height of his powers, many of Kennedy’s peers said he was the best breakdown fiddler in the country, and although these recordings were made later in Kennedy’s life, when he was struggling to remember all the tunes he once knew, his skill on the fiddle is still remarkable—a flawless sense of timing, smooth, consistent tone, and perfectly-done rhythmic flourishes. Kennedy’s repertoire is extensive, ranging from Oklahoma standards like “Big Sweet Taters in the Sandy Land,” to the Texas-style classic “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and the rare, enigmatic “Arkansas Hollerin’ Tune.” With tasteful, rock-solid backup from collectors Brad Leftwich and Linda Higginbotham on guitar and banjo-ukulele, this album is more than enough to get anybody tapping their toes, on their feet and dancing, or even picking back up a neglected instrument of their own.

John Dee Kennedy (1914-1997) was a self-effacing man who, in his prime, was considered by many to be the best breakdown fiddler in Pawnee and Osage counties, Oklahoma. In a generation where most of his contemporaries were playing Western swing, bluegrass, or Texas contest style fiddle, John perpetuated an older family and community tradition that can be traced through the mountains of Arkansas all the way back to eastern Kentucky in the 19th century. These field recordings were made by Linda Higginbotham and Brad Leftwich at John’s home in Pawnee, Oklahoma, from 1982-1985. – Brad Leftwich

Track Notes for FRC738 – John Dee Kennedy of Pawnee, Oklahoma by Brad Leftwich
The music scene in Pawnee and Osage Counties, Oklahoma by Brad Leftwich
John Dee Kennedy: Keeper of the Flame by Brad Leftwich