The Clayton McMichen Story

Clayton McMichen was a renowned fiddle player who was noted for his ability to perform in a variety of styles including traditional, bluegrass, pop, jazz, and country. Born in Georgia in 1900, he was from a musical family and began learning the fiddle at a young age. From 1922 until his passing in 1970, McMichen performed with bands such as the Georgia Wildcats and Gid Tanner’s Skillet Lickers. He performed on many radio stations and even became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He also was involved in the 60’s folk revival and appeared on college campuses and on radio, and, as a competent songwriter, many of his songs have become standards in bluegrass and country.       

This tribute collection was first issued in 1981, ten years after McMichen’s death. It was a double LP and included such artists as Merle Travis, Mac Wiseman, Joe Maphis, Jackson D. Kane, and “Fiddlin” Red Herron. Now the project has been remastered and made available for CD and digital formats. The selections will be familiar to many in the music world and include such as “In The Pines,” “Fire On The Mountain,” “Arkansas Traveler,” “Sweet Bunch of Daisies,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Farewell Blues,” “Peach Pickin’ Time In Georgia,” “Limehouse Blues,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Bile ‘Em Cabbage Down,” “Darktown Strutters’ Ball” and “Goodnight Waltz. It is good to see this wonderful tribute to Mr. McMichen now again available.