The Dixon Brothers
| The Dixon Brothers | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Genre (s) | Old-time music |
| founding | 1932 |
| resolution | 1941 |
| Founding members | |
| Howard Dixon | |
Vocals, guitar
|
Dorsey Dixon |
The Dixon Brothers were an American old-time duo who recorded numerous tracks in 1936 and 1938 that are considered classic examples of old-time music.
Life
Dorsey Dixon (born October 5, 1897 ) and Howard Dixon (born June 9, 1903 ) came from the poor areas of North Carolina . Her family worked all day in various textile factories in the area. Music was the only distraction for the family, so Dorsey learned to play the guitar when he was 14 and later learned to play the fiddle . Howard also played guitar; his greatest influence was a guitarist named Jimmy Tarlton, who had success with Tom Darby as Darby and Tarlton in the 1920s . The economic depression forced Tarlton back to work in the factories and so he returned to East Rockingham. Tarlton made such an impact that Howard not only adopted the blues style but also switched to steel guitar, just as Tarlton played it.
The Dixon Brothers began playing professionally at local barn dances and fairgrounds in 1932 . Two years later they were given the opportunity to play Crazy Barn Dance in the WBT , which made them known outside the region and led to further engagements. Victor Records quickly became aware of the duo and signed them in 1936. By the end of the decade, there were over 60 pieces. The brothers' repertoire consisted of old fiddle pieces like Girl in Sunny Tennessee , cover versions like That Nasty Swing ( Cliff Carlisle ) or gospel songs like I Didn't Hear Nobody Pray . Their first session was in Charlotte , North Carolina, on February 3, 1936 , where they recorded Weave Room Blues , Two Little Rosebuds , Sales Tax on the Women , Intoxicated Rat , Not Turning Back, and White Flowers for You . On their second session in June, the Dixons were supported by singer Mutt Evans. Beatrice Dixon can often be heard in the following recordings.
Although none of the records released on Victor's Bluebird Records label sold poorly, the contract expired in 1939. The brothers held their last session on September 25, 1938 in Rock Hill , South Carolina .
With the beginning of the Second World War, the Dixons gave up music. Both returned to everyday jobs. While Dorsey retired in 1951, Howard died while working in 1960. A year later, Dorsey made new recordings and shortly afterwards appeared for the first time at the Newport Folk Festival , which he also attended in 1962. This was followed by further recordings for Piedmont Records and for the Library of Congress . After numerous other appearances, Dorsey moved to Florida , where he died in 1968 at the age of 71.
Discography
Discography is not exhaustive.
| year | title | # | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluebird Records | |||
| Intoxicated Rat / Tax Sales on the Women | BB-6327 | ||
| Weave Room Blues / Two Little Rosebuds | BB-6441 | ||
| Greenback Dollar, Part 2 / Answer to Maple on the Hill | BB-6462 | ||
| My Girl in Sunny Tennessee / That Old Vacant Chair | BB-6582 | ||
| White Flowers for You / That Nasty Swing | BB-6630 | ||
| I'm Just Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail / Hush Little Bonnie Blues Eyes, Part 2 | BB-6691 | ||
| Rambling Gambler / Dark Eyes | BB-6809 | ||
| Maple on the Hill No.4 / The Old True Love | BB-6867 | ||
| I'm Turning Not Back / The Old Account was Settled Long Ago | BB-6901 | B-side from the Blue Sky Boys | |
| I Will Meet my Precious Mother / Beautiful Stars | BB-6979 | ||
| The School House Fire / Darling, Do You Miss Me? | BB-7020 | ||
| Waiting For You / Satisfied at Last | BB-7152 | ||
| Are you sure? / What Would You Give In Exchange, Part 5 | BB-7263 | ||
| I Won't Accept Anything For My Soul /? | BB-7374 | ||
| I Didn't Hear Nobody Pray / Down with the Old Canoe | BB-7449 | ||
| How Can a Broke Man Be Happy / Girl I Left in Danville | BB-7674 | ||
| Have Courage to Only Say No / Glorious Light is Dawning | BB-7767 | ||
| Weaver's Life / The Old Home Brew | BB-7802 | ||
Compilations
- 1973: Beyond Black Smoke
- 2000: Dixon Brothers, Vol. 1: 1936
- 2001: Dixon Brothers, Vol. 2: 1937
- 2001: Dixon Brothers, Vol. 3: 1937-1938
- 200 ?: Dixon Brothers, Vol. 4: 1938
- 2003: How Can a Broke Man Be Happy