Did you know…

• Auto pioneer, Henry Ford was influential in spreading the popularity of fiddling contests. He wanted a return to the music of his youth and away from the growing popularity of ragtime and jazz music. In 1926, Ford dealerships held regional fiddling contests in the Eastern and mid-west states. The winners went on to the National Championship held in Detroit. Bunt Stephen won the contest for fiddling, The Old Speckled Hen. He won a new car and $1000 in cash. – Bill Malone, Country Music, U.S.A.

• Old time fiddling evolved primarily for the accompaniment of dancing. As fiddle was often the sole instrument, double stops and drones are frequently used, giving more volume and a fuller sound. Some fiddlers raised one or two strings with matchsticks allowing the possibility of triple stops. A whole series of alternative tunings may be used, allowing the strings which are not fingered to drone or ring more freely. - Chris Haigh