The Carter Family1925-1956

Poor Valley, Virginia

ALVIN PLEASANT “A. P.” CARTER• “A. P.” played violin

as a child and sang in the church choir.

• “A. P.” marries Sara Dougherty in 1915.

• “A. P.” led the Original Carter Family from 1926-1943.

• “A. P. sang and played bass.

Sara DoughertyShe was the voice

of the Original Carter Family.

Sara purchased an autoharp when she was 12.

The autoharp complemented the guitar work of Maybelle to form their signature sound.

The Carter FamilyIn 1925 they began

performing with Sara's cousin, Maybelle Addington, as the Carter Family.

Made their first recording in 1927 known as the Bristol sessions for Victor Talking Machine Company.

Maybelle Addington Grew up in a musical

family. Won a banjo contest

when she was 12. Developed her own style

of playing guitar. Her signature style was

known as the “Carter Scratch.”

Married Ezra Carter on March 13, 1926.

Later, she formed a group with her daughters called The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle.

The Great Depression and Border RadioDr. Brinkley opens a radio station in Kansas to

advertise new operation to cure medical problem.

“Dr.” Brinkley’s medical and radio licenses are revoked.

“Dr.” Brinkley opens radio station across the Rio Grande (the border) from Texas in Mexico.

The Depression cut into The Carter’s record sales.

The Carter’s receive an invitation to play twice daily on XERA, a 500 kilowatt border radio.

$75 each weekly and exposure in 48 states plus parts of Canada.

The Second Generation (A.P. and Sara’s Children)

Janette Carter—began in late 1930’s, singer and songwriter who gathered songs, went to Texas for border radio.

Joe Carter—played guitar and sang, joined in the early 1950’s.

The Second Generation (Maybelle’s Daughters)Helen Carter—

played accordion.

June Carter—sang, married Johnny Cash.

Anita Carter—recorder with Hank Snow and Waylon Jennings.