Old-Time Music History, Folk Lyrics & Ancient Roots

Link to first recording:    • "Old Molly Hair" - Fiddlin' Powers & Famil...   In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of “Old Molly Hare,” one of the most joyful and fast-moving old-time banjo and fiddle tunes ever played. Known for its abrupt chord changes and high-energy feel—much like a rabbit darting through a field—this tune has been passed down for generations through jam sessions, dances, and oral tradition. Although many musicians know Old Molly Hare as an instrumental, early recordings and written sources reveal that the tune once carried humorous and sometimes bizarre lyrics. We explore floating verses, minstrel-era connections, and references found as early as 1881 in Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings. You’ll also hear the story behind the first known recording of “Old Molly Hare,” made in 1925 by legendary Virginia fiddler James “Fiddlin’” Powers and his family band. From fiddlers’ conventions and radio performances to the hardships that shaped his music, Powers played a major role in preserving this old-time classic. Two main theories behind the name “Old Molly Hare” are examined—one rooted in the tune’s rabbit-like melody, and another colorful frontier tale involving fence posts, prairie homesteads, and a very helpful hare. Finally, we trace the tune even further back in time to the British Isles, comparing Old Molly Hare to the Scottish fiddle tune “Largo’s Fairy Dance,” composed in 1802. Many musicologists believe this melody crossed the Atlantic and evolved into the American tune we know today. 🎻 In this video you’ll learn: The origins of Old Molly Hare Early lyrics and minstrel-era influences The story of Fiddlin’ Powers and the first recording Frontier folklore behind the tune’s name Connections to Scottish and English fiddle music If you love old-time banjo, traditional fiddle tunes, folk music history, or discovering how melodies travel across centuries and continents, this one’s for you. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy this journey through the living history of Old Molly Hare Old Molly Hare, Old Molly Hair, Old Molly Hare banjo, Old Molly Hare fiddle, old time banjo, old time fiddle, old time music, bluegrass history, old time tune history, banjo history, fiddle tune history, traditional folk music, American folk music, Appalachian music, old time jam, banjo instrumental, fiddle and banjo, Hoedown History, folk music history, traditional music history, floating verses, minstrel era music, James Cowan Powers, Fiddlin Powers, Virginia fiddlers, 1920s fiddle recordings, OKeh Records, old time dance tunes, rabbit folk songs, Mr Rabbit folk song, Uncle Remus songs, British Isles fiddle tunes, Scottish fiddle music, Largo's Fairy Dance, Nathaniel Gow, Cecil Sharp, tunes from the British Isles, folk music origins, oral tradition music,