Mysterious Origins of Melody & Title Uncovered

Tracing the tune’s journey from the Canadian prairies to American jam sessions—and beyond. Along the way, we explore the life of legendary Métis fiddler Andy DeJarlis, whose 1957 publication helped bring the tune to a wider audience, and uncover how musicians like Tommy Jackson and Dick Barrett helped popularize it in the United States. But the story doesn’t stop there… We dig even deeper into the past, uncovering possible earlier versions of the melody under different names like “The Great Eastern Reel” and “Bennett’s Favorite,” and explore connections to minstrel-era performances and even older Celtic traditions. Could this tune date back to the 1800s—or earlier? And just when you think you’ve heard it all, we take a trip overseas to compare similar Irish melodies and examine a compelling theory about its true origins. Plus, stick around until the end to hear a unique lyrical version of the tune by Mike Cross—humorous, soulful, and unforgettable. 🎶 In this video: The origins of Whiskey Before Breakfast Andy DeJarlis and Métis fiddle traditions Early recordings in the U.S. Theories on its true source Rare historical connections A lyrical version you’ve probably never heard 👍 If you enjoyed this deep dive, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more stories from the world of old-time and bluegrass music. #Bluegrass #FiddleTune #OldTimeMusic #MusicHistory #WhiskeyBeforeBreakfast