Clark Kessinger

about

Clark Kessinger (July 27, 1896 - June 4, 1975) was an influential American old-time fiddler. Many of his fiddle tunes made their way to other fiddlers or into the bluegrass music genre. Kessinger was born in South Hills, Kanawha County, West Virginia. At least two of his relatives were fiddlers and he also listened to local fiddlers but his biggest influence was Ed Haley. Kessinger began playing the banjo when he was five years old and two years later he performed at local saloons with his father. He switched to fiddle and began performing at country dances. In 1917, he joined the Navy serving in World War I. Upon his discharge, his reputation as a fiddler had increased and he visited many local fiddling contests. He teamed up with his nephew Luches Kessinger (1906-1944) performing at various locations. In 1927, Clark and Luches Kessinger had their own radio show at the newly opened station WOBU in Charleston, West Virginia. The Kessinger Brothers recorded twelve sides the same day, six of the sides together with the caller Ernest Legg. Despite Clark Kessinger's increasing success as a fiddler and recording star, he had a regular job as a caretaker in Charleston. In the late 1920's, the Kessinger Brothers' records were best-sellers on Brunswick Records. During these recording sessions, the Kessinger Brothers recorded many classics such as "Wednesday Night Waltz", "Turkey In the Straw", "Hell Among the Yearlings", "Tugboat", and "Salt River." Kessinger was also greatly influ

top songs

albums

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Classic Old-Time Music from Smithsonian Folkways

Clark Kessinger, Fiddler - Old-Time Country Music

Old-Time Music with Fiddle & Guitar

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Classic Old-Time Fiddle from Smithsonian Folkways

The Legend Of

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Classic Old-Time Music from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

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Clark Kessinger Live at Union Grove

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Classic Old-Time Fiddle

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Rounder Fiddle

Old-Time Country Music

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The Legend of Clark Kessinger

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Classic Old-Time Music

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