FIRST POST FROM THE CIRCUIT

Lomax Collection -  Library of Congress

"Stavin' Chain playing guitar and singing the

ballad "Batson" accompanied by a musician

 on violin, Lafayette, La" Alan Lomax - June 1934

 It's only fittin' that I start this blog with a photo

taken by Alan Lomax from where my life began.

The focus of the Southern Music Circuit blog is to document an exploration of the music business as it developed in the southeastern United States during the 20th century.  In the past the music business consisted of a wide range of elements such as performance venues, music stores, record shops, recording studios, radio stations and record labels.  Many of these entities still exist in some form, usually transformed by mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcies, and retirements.  Others are long gone and only exist in photographs and archival documents.  The most tangible evidence of their existence remains the records and tapes which were produced to satisfy the need for one of mankind's most cherished art forms.

Along the way I may detour off the subject or the beaten path and explore other aspects of southern culture.  Some subjects will require a visit up north or out west to interview musicians and other industry people.  The music of the South has been well documented by many writers and I am deeply grateful for their contribution, especially the invaluable first person interviews conducted.  My intention is to discover new and relevant information about the people and places that formed the southern music experience.  I hope you enjoy it.
 

Identify this famous former location of a prolific

recording studio from the late 40s and early 50s

by leaving a comment.

 

© 2012 Eric Fincher