Description

Betsy Rutherford – Traditional Country Music – Vinyl Record

Betsy Rutherford’s album Traditional Country Music is a celebration of the classic sounds and storytelling techniques of early country music. Released in the 1970s, this album showcases Rutherford’s dedication to preserving the roots of country music through her authentic interpretations of traditional songs and ballads. Her style is deeply rooted in the Appalachian and old-time music traditions, which are evident in her distinctive vocal delivery and acoustic instrumentation.

The album features a collection of tunes that might include timeless standards as well as lesser-known gems, all performed with the raw, emotional honesty that characterizes much of traditional country music. Rutherford’s voice carries the weight of each story, supported by minimalistic yet expressive arrangements that often include guitar, fiddle, and banjo.

Traditional Country Music serves not only as an homage to the past but also as an important archival record, capturing the essence of a genre that has evolved significantly over the decades. It appeals to enthusiasts of American roots music and those interested in the historical aspects of the country genre, providing a poignant reminder of the music’s enduring appeal and cultural significance.

The Grateful Dead recorded this song as Cold Rain & Snow. The song is more commonly known as Rain & Snow and most other recordings use this title.
Rain and Snow was included in the book, English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians by Cecil Sharp. The collected version, which dates from August 1916, was sung by Mrs. Tom Rice at Big Laurel, NC. This version includes only the first verse.

The Grateful Dead version is based on the recording by Obray Ramsey. The song was also performed by many bluegrass groups in the 1960’s including those of Bill Monroe and Del McCoury and it may be that live bluegrass versions also influenced the Dead version.

The song was arranged by Benjamin Britten and included in his work Eight Folk Song Arrangements.

The original Grateful Dead release of the song is credited to Traditional / McGanahan Skjellyfetti. The name McGanahan Skjellyfetti was a psuedonym used by the Grateful Dead for group compositions. The name derives originally from a character in Kenneth Patchen’s ‘Memoirs Of A Shy Pornographer’, although the name was possibly used by the Grateful Dead because one of the band members had a cat of that name.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Biograph Records RC6004

Track Listing
Faded Coat of Blue
Rain and Snow
John Hardy
West Virginia Mine Disaster
Tramp On The Street
Boys Be Good to Dear Old Dad
Drunkard’s Doom
Old Blue
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Amazing Grace