Single Girl, Married Girl
Single Girl, Married Girl is a folk song made famous by The Carter Family, about the differences in lifestyle between the two title characters. The song was originally released on Victor Records in 1928 as the a-side of Victor 20937, the Carter Family’s second 78-rpm record for the label.[1] It was recorded on August 2, 1927, the second day of their first session with producer and engineer Ralph Peer, and released in January 1928.[2] This version was later included in Harry Smith’s Anthology of American Folk Music, Vol. 3. Notably, the song does not feature A.P. Carter, but is instead a solo by Sara Carter playing autoharp accompanied by her cousin Maybelle Carter playing lead guitar (Maybelle used an inexpensive Stella guitar during the August 1-2, 1927 sessions).
The song was re-recorded during the last months of Sara and A.P. Carter’s marriage, on May 8, 1935, during a 4-day recording session with Ralph Peer.[2] The tempo of this version is much slower, and Sara Carter sings at a much lower pitch. This version was first released on Arc Records, along with the song “No Other’s Bride I’ll Be,” as ARC 8733.[3]
Personnel
- Sara Carter: Vocals, autoharp
- Maybelle Carter: Guitar
- Ralph Peer: Recording producer/engineer
Notable Versions
Artist: The Haden Triplets Album: The Haden Triplets[4]
Artist: Charlie Haden Family and Friends (featuring Petra Haden, Tanya Haden, and Rachel Haden); Album: Rambling Boy
Artist: Petra Haden Album: The Harry Smith Project: Anthology Of American Folk Music Revisited
Artist: Ruby Vass [1]
Artist: Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin Album: Songs of the Carter Family
Artist: Levon Helm Album: Dirt Farmer
Artist: The Kossoy Sisters Album: Bowling Green Heard on: soundtrack of Obvious Child
Artist: Alex De Grassi Album: Now And Then: Folk Songs for the 21st Century[5]
Artist: Promise and the Monster Album: Transparent Knives
Artist: 16 Horsepower Album: Folklore
Artist: Peter, Paul and Mary Album: In Concert (Peter, Paul and Mary album)
References
- ^ Encyclopedic Discography of Victor Recordings. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
- ^ a b Zwonitzer, Mark, and Hirshberg, Charles. Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?: The Carter Family & Their Legacy in American Music. New York. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-684-85763-4
- ^ Russel, Tony and Pinson, Bob. Country Music Records: A Discography, 1921-1942. New York. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-513989-5
- ^ Mazor, Barry. (January 29, 2014) "Sister Act." The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ "Outsight Radio Hours interview 2003". Archive.org. Retrieved 23 January 2019.