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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDARBY and TARLTONTom Darby (1884--1971) and Jimmie Tarlton (b 8 May 1892, Chesterfield County SC; d '79) Old Time duet singers, their sound the basis for much country music. Tarlton was a pioneer of the steel guitar: began playing ordinary guitar with a chromed steel bar, learned much from Hawaiian guitarist Frank Ferera '23; met Darby and the duet became popular in the South. Records for Columbia '27--33 with Darby on guitar, Tarlton on steel, both singing: 'Birmingham Jail', 'Lonesome Railroad', 'Frankie Dean', 'Mexican Rag', etc. Forgotten until early '60s when Tarlton appeared at folk festivals, made solo LP Steel Guitar Rag '62 on Testament. There was a compilation on Arhoolie and Sing The Blues on Old Timey. |