Arkansas Woodchopper
Arkansas "Arkie" Woodchopper (born March 2, 1906 as Luther Ossenbrink , † June 23, 1981 ) was an American old-time musician . In addition to his numerous appearances on the radio, he recorded records for Columbia Records and Conqueror Records .
Life
Childhood and youth
Arkansas Woodchopper grew up in the Ozark Mountains near the town of Knobnoster, Missouri . As a small child he helped his father on the farm, and he also worked in a grocery store. Before he made his living as a trapper, he worked briefly at a gas station. He got his first fiddle in exchange for a clock. From then on he played in dance halls and other public events. According to Woodchopper, he made $ 4 on his first gig (he played six hours in total).
Career
He made his first appearance on the radio in Kansas , followed by his first appearances in the WLS National Barn Dance in 1930. In those years he traded the fiddle for the guitar . During the next several years he appeared on many different radio shows across America. In addition, he published records with Columbia and Conqueror, including successes such as The Dying Cowboy , Walking Up Town , Old Pal and Sweet Sunny South , the original version of which comes from Charlie Poole . In the early 1940s, Woodchopper slowly lost its popularity and retired to his estate with his wife Vera, whom he married in December 1937.
Arkansas Woodchopper died on June 23, 1981 at the age of 75.
Discography
| year | title | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conqueror Records | |||
| 193? | Mrs. Murphy's Chowder / Frankie and Albert | Frankie and Albert by Charley Patton | |
| 193? | Sweet Sunny South / If Could Only Blot Out The Past | Sweet Sunny South by Charlie Poole | |
| 193? | Just Plain Folks / What Is Home Without Love? | ||
| 193? | The Last Great Roundup / Cowboy Jack | The Last Great Roundup by Cliff Carlisle | |
| 193? | Texas Cowboy / Bronc That Wouldn't Bust | ||
| 193? | When It's Harvest Time / The Little Green Valley | ||
| 193? | Old Pal / Daddy and Home | ||
| 193? | Little Ah-Sid / Dollar Down And A Dollar A Week With Chicken Pie | ||
| Columbia Records | |||
| 192? | The Dying Cowboy / The Cowboys Dream | ||
| 1948 | Arkansas Traveler / Mississippi Sawyer | ||
| 1948 | Sallie Goodwin / Soldier's Joy | ||
| 1948 | Walking Up Town / Wagoner | ||
| 1948 | My Love Is A Lassie / Lightfoot Bill | ||
Web links
- Arkansas Woodchopper on Hillbilly-Music.com (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Woodchopper, Arkansas |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Woodchopper, Arkie (nickname); Ossenbrink, Luther (maiden name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American old-time musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 2, 1906 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Ozark Mountains , Missouri |
| DATE OF DEATH | June 23, 1981 |