Musician. Considered by many to be the greatest Old Time fiddler of the 20th century, Gid was, to say the least, the linchpin of the early Old Time music movement,and the leader/founder of the most successful string band during the genesis of country music; The Skillet Lickers. Revered in his time as a master fiddler, Gid stuck by the old traditions, even when others musicians around him were favouring a more modern, jazzy approach to their style and repertoire. He was also an extraordinary entertainer. He could accurately portray era stereotypes, sing as low as a snake's belly, or high enough to nearly break glass. Along with the ability to contort his face into the strangest expressions, he could also throw his head back far enough to appear headless, and turn it around nearly as far as an owl. At the 1914 and 1916 Atlanta Fiddler's Conventions, Gid's comedic performance resulted in the show being stopped, on account of nearly 5000 people in the crowd yelling for ''More Gid''. His most popular song, which was demanded many an encore, was I'm Satisfied. In 1924, with future Skillet Lickers guitarist Riley Puckett, Gid traveled to New York to record for Columbia Records. He was the first country musician to record for them, blazing the trail for many country greats to follow, and cementing his own place in music history. Between 1926 and 1934, Gid recorded over 100 songs, tunes, and comedy sketches with his group the Skillet Lickers. Many of their tunes went on to become Old Time and Bluegrass standards. Down Yonder, Back Up And Push, Alabama Jubilee, and Hen Cackle are just a few. Gid was involved in music until his death, appearing at local events, and playing with family and friends, making a series of home recordings with them, and even winning the Atlanta Old Time Fiddler's Contest in 1955. When he wasn't playing the star, he humbly made his living as a chicken farmer. His musical legacy and tradition was carried on by his son Gordon, and today, by his grandson Phil, and his son Russ, with the Skillet Lickers II.
Musician. Considered by many to be the greatest Old Time fiddler of the 20th century, Gid was, to say the least, the linchpin of the early Old Time music movement,and the leader/founder of the most successful string band during the genesis of country music; The Skillet Lickers. Revered in his time as a master fiddler, Gid stuck by the old traditions, even when others musicians around him were favouring a more modern, jazzy approach to their style and repertoire. He was also an extraordinary entertainer. He could accurately portray era stereotypes, sing as low as a snake's belly, or high enough to nearly break glass. Along with the ability to contort his face into the strangest expressions, he could also throw his head back far enough to appear headless, and turn it around nearly as far as an owl. At the 1914 and 1916 Atlanta Fiddler's Conventions, Gid's comedic performance resulted in the show being stopped, on account of nearly 5000 people in the crowd yelling for ''More Gid''. His most popular song, which was demanded many an encore, was I'm Satisfied. In 1924, with future Skillet Lickers guitarist Riley Puckett, Gid traveled to New York to record for Columbia Records. He was the first country musician to record for them, blazing the trail for many country greats to follow, and cementing his own place in music history. Between 1926 and 1934, Gid recorded over 100 songs, tunes, and comedy sketches with his group the Skillet Lickers. Many of their tunes went on to become Old Time and Bluegrass standards. Down Yonder, Back Up And Push, Alabama Jubilee, and Hen Cackle are just a few. Gid was involved in music until his death, appearing at local events, and playing with family and friends, making a series of home recordings with them, and even winning the Atlanta Old Time Fiddler's Contest in 1955. When he wasn't playing the star, he humbly made his living as a chicken farmer. His musical legacy and tradition was carried on by his son Gordon, and today, by his grandson Phil, and his son Russ, with the Skillet Lickers II.
Bio by: Bud
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