U.S. #2776
29¢ Carter Family
Country Music Legends
Issue Date: September 25, 1993
City: Nashville, TN
Printed By: American Bank Note Company
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: 11 horizontally
Color: Multicolored
Originally formed in 1926, the Carter Family was one of the most influential groups in the country music field - one that greatly affected succeeding generations of performers.
When A.P. Carter married Sara Dougherty in 1915, the two made a natural duet. Gathering Appalachian folk music and arranging it for performances, as well creating new songs, the two entertained family and friends. Maybelle Carter, who had married A.P.’s brother Ezra, joined the pair in 1926. The following year the newly formed trio traveled to Bristol to audition for Victor (later RCA Victor). Out of those who were lucky enough to be paid $50 per recorded song rose two of country music’s most promising stars - the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
The Carters’ music appealed to many rural Americans, and broadcasts over radio stations helped increase their popularity. During the late 1930’s and early 40’s other family members joined the trio, and in 1943 the original threesome disbanded.
Teaming up with her three talented daughters Anita, June, and Helen, Maybelle kept the family tradition alive. And today the legend lives on through June and her husband Johnny Cash, and other family members.