Dolly Parton Recording Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited
It all goes back to the 20s when Ralph Peer, a Victor Records producer, set up a recording studio in Bristol, Tennessee. He put ads in the newspaper calling for country singers and folks like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers answered. Though country music had been being recorded commercially for five years at that point, it was all being done in New York City and not many true "hillbilly" artists could make the trip. By the time Peer's 12 days in Bristol was up, 19 performers had recorded 76 songs. The success of the project gave America a true introduction to southern Appalachia and made Peer a rich man.
With a release date set for October, Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited, will feature 16 of the original 76 tunes. Ashley Monroe, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers and Vince Gill are all confirmed performers on the project. The album will also be introducing a new talent to the world of country music through a contest.
The Birthplace of Country Music’s Orthophonic Joy Music Contest will be open for submissions through 5pm EST July 10 for both solo performers and bands. The rules are simple: unsigned artists should record one of the following selected 1927 Bristol Sessions songs -
"Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow Tree"- The Carter Family
"The Storms Are On the Ocean"- The Carter Family
"I Am Bound For the Promised Land"- Alfred Karnes
"Darling Cora"- B.F. Shelton
The recording (audio or video) must be posted to the Birthplace of Country Music Facebook page and a follow-up, confirmation email is then sent in. (See complete rules)
The winner will become a part of country music history.
