Sid Harkreader | |
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| Born | Sidney Johnson Harkreader (1898-02-26)February 26, 1898 Gladeville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | March 19, 1988(1988-03-19) (aged 90) |
| Genres | Old-time music,western music |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instruments | Fiddle, vocals |
| Years active | 1920s–1969 |
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Sidney Johnson "Fiddlin' Sid"Harkreader (February 26, 1898 — March 19, 1988) was an Americanold-time fiddle player andstring band leader. He was an early member of theGrand Ole Opry, at first accompanying banjoistUncle Dave Macon and later performing on the program with his own band. In the 1940s, Harkreader formed and briefly toured with theWestern band "The Round-Up Gang" before returning again to the Opry.[1]
Harkreader was born inGladeville, Tennessee, a small town in thecedar glades region east ofNashville. His father encouraged him to develop musical abilities, and Harkreader learned to play fiddle at localsquare dances.[2] Determined to become a professional entertainer, Harkreader first toured as a fiddler for the Loewvaudeville circuit. Around 1923, he paired with Uncle Dave Macon to play old-time music in Nashville, and the following year, the two recorded several sides forVocalion Records.[3] On November 6, 1925, Harkreader and Macon delivered a performance before a sold-out crowd at theRyman Auditorium, and the two began performing for the Grand Ole Opry (at the time called WSM'sBarn Dance) a few weeks later.[4] Harkreader's typical repertoire included "Old Joe" (which he learned from fellow Opry pioneerHumphrey Bate),[5] "Turkey in the Straw," "Sugar Walks Down the Street," "Ain't Goin' to Rain No More," and "Go Away Mule."[6]
Harkreader recorded two dozen tracks forParamount Records, the first set coming in 1927 accompanied byHawaiian slide-guitarist Grady Moore, and the second coming the following year accompanied by guitarist Blythe Poteet. In 1935, Harkreader returned to the Opry at the head of a string band, "Sid Harkreader and Company." The band consisted of Harkreader on fiddle and vocals, Emory Martin onmandolin, and Mack McGar on banjo. Around 1940, Harkeader formed "The Round-Up Gang" to record Western music, which had grown steadily in popularity in the previous decade. Harkreader eventually returned to the Opry, however, making guest appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s.[3]
Harkreader is buried at Caraway Cemetery in Gladeville.
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