Maybelle Carter's "Carter Scratch": The Untold Story of Country Music's First Family

Maybelle Carter: The First Lady of Country Music and the Carter Scratch The Carter Family, a foundational act in country music history, is widely recognized. But the innovative guitar style known as the "Carter Scratch" is often less discussed. This style is largely attributed to Maybelle Carter, a key member of the family. A recent video highlights her contribution and the efforts of Lesley Riddle, a dedicated documentarian who played a crucial role in preserving the family's musical legacy. Lesley Riddle's unique approach involved personally visiting the Carter family and other musical families, memorizing their songs and chords, and meticulously documenting their music. As the video presenter explains, "He would go to homes and knock on their door and just be like, 'Yo, does your family make music?'" This hands-on approach ensured the preservation of many songs and styles that might otherwise have been lost to time. Riddle's work is essential to understanding the Carter Family's influence. His meticulous documentation allowed for the creation of a comprehensive catalog of their music. The video aptly describes Maybelle Carter and the Carter Family as "the first family of country," underscoring their immense impact on the genre. Lesley Riddle's dedication serves as a compelling example of the importance of preserving musical history.