Fiddlin' John Carson
ListenThe Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane · 1923
Fiddlin’ John Carson — “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane,” 1923.
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1923 · OKeh
The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane / The Old Hen Cackled and the Rooster’s Going to Crow
Fiddlin’ John Carson was already a crowd-pleaser at Georgia fiddle contests when he made his first record. OKeh’s Ralph Peer doubted the performance; buyers helped persuade the company that old-time music had a commercial audience. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0119 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Fiddlin' John Carson |
| Release | 1923 · United States |
| Label | OKeh · 4890 |
| Format | 10-inch shellac disc · 78 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG− |
Release history and significance
Carson knew how to make an entrance. He sometimes brought his fiddle to contests in a flour sack, and once brought a hound trained to join in with his playing. Radio added another audience in 1922, before the recording opportunity arrived the following year. [1]
In June 1923, Carson recorded in an improvised studio on Atlanta’s Nassau Street. Singing and accompanying himself on fiddle, he performed “The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane” and “The Old Hen Cackled and the Rooster’s Going to Crow.” OKeh coupled them on 4890. [1] [2] [3]
The response led to further recording work and helped establish a market for southern rural performers. Carson’s combination of song, fiddle and showmanship became part of the new country-record business. [1]
Market context
Discogs records sales for the referenced OKeh 4890 edition from US$3 to US$175, with a median of US$87.49, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 17 April 2026. [3]
Physical Description
A ten-inch shellac OKeh 4890 disc featuring Carson’s singing and solo fiddle. [2] [3]
Condition
Graded VG−, with a seller VJM grade of V−. The seller reported staining and a small passing dig on the B-side, a possible forward skip on the A-side, a very slight storage warp and moderate label wear. The staining and warp were described as not affecting play.
Provenance
Acquired on 8 June 2026 through eBay from Carolina Soul Records.
Sources
- Wayne W. Daniel, Fiddlin’ John Carson, New Georgia Encyclopedia. Contest performances, radio, the Atlanta session and the emergence of a record market.
- Discography of American Historical Recordings, OKeh matrix 8374. June 1923 Atlanta recording, voice and fiddle, and OKeh 4890 issue.
- Discogs, Fiddlin’ John Carson, release 7261911. OKeh 4890 reference edition, coupling and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.