Janette Carter was the last surviving member of country's immortal Carter Family, championing the cause of traditional American roots music into the 21st century. Born July 2, 1923, in Maces Springs, VA, she was the youngest daughter of A.P. and Sara Carter, who with A.P.'s sister-in-law Maybelle comprised the original Carter Family that in 1927 signed with RCA Victor producer/talent scout Ralph Peer. Over the course of classics like "Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow," "Keep on the Sunny Side," and "No Depression," the Carters introduced the pure, poignant harmonies and intricate melodies that would define country & western for decades to follow, establishing the trio as the most influential group in roots music history. Despite their commercial success A.P. and Sara Carter divorced in 1932. Seven years later, Sara married A.P.'s cousin Coy Bayes and relocated to California, taking her children with her. The Carter Family concluded its recording career in 1941, but in 1952 both A.P. and Sara agreed to a comeback, enlisting Janette and her brother Joe before signing to the Acme label to record some 100 songs over the next four years. Following her father's 1960 death, Janette -- at the time an elementary school cook -- dedicated her life to preserving their music and legacy, hosting informal music programs at A.P.'s Poor Valley, VA, retail store. Although she never earned the commercial or critical acclaim awarded her sister June Carter Cash, Janette also mounted a solo career