Carson Robison

On August 4, 1890, Carson Robison was born in Oswego, KS. Robison had many occupations over his lifetime, most of them centered around life on the prairie. He was a farmer, a cow puncher, and an oilfield worker. Robison was also a song writing musician who had a unique whistling talent-he was able to whistle in 2 part harmony at the same time. Robison was nicknamed The Kansas Jaybird.

In 1904 he penned his first song Anthem. By 1924 he made his first recordings with Victor Records laying down the tracks Songbirds in Georgia and Whistling the Blues Away.

Throughout the coming years, Robison formed his own band, Carson Robison and His Pioneers. The band traveled throughout the US and abroad even performing for King George and Queen Elizabeth.

In 1971 Robison was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

Nashville Song Writers shared the follow quote on their website which gives us a glimpse into Robison’s mind:

“Nature and tradition have been my best sources for material. I’ve learned plenty of things from her and I reckon most people could write songs about the odd characters, odd happenings right in their own backyard. I’m not aimin’ to hand out any advice on how to write songs. I don’t think there’s a set formula for the work. My heritage and tradition has come down to me from the covered wagon days and I suppose there couldn’t have been a better background for my efforts. I just hope they keep that tradition alive long after I’m gone and I hope my son carries on after me.”

Paul and Pap learned one of Robison’s songs from Granny’s uncle, Henry Truett. Other than Uncle Henry, Marty Robbins, Doc Watson, and Fret Killer (of Youtube fame)-they’ve never heard anyone else sing it. The title of the song is Little Green Valley-its a great song take a listen and see if you don’t agree.

I hope you enjoyed the old song-it’s got a catchy tune. And who wouldn’t like to live in a Little Green Valley like the song describes?

Tipper

*Source: Nashville Songwriters Foundation

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17 Comments

  1. Don-after talking to Granny, I dont believe her Uncle Henry was the same one you knew from Swain County. However according to Ed Ammons extensive research it looks like the Henry Truett you knew was one of Grannys cousins. Its a small world : )
    Blind Pig The Acorn
    Celebrating and Preserving the
    Culture of Appalachia
    http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com

  2. Very pretty. I know I’ve heard this song before somewhere. Momma and Daddy had several Marty Robbins records, it might have been on one of them. 🙂

  3. Long ago and far away, in a little town south of Rochester New York, I sat in my bedroom with my Hallicrafters radio and headset, listening to Carson Robison, live, on the Grand Ole Opry. I probably would not have known of him other than that, and “Life Gets Tee-jus, Don’t it?”
    Dad could whistle like that and he taught me how but I hardly ever got past imitating the whistle on a steam locomotive. All you gotta do is whistle and hum softly at the same time.
    I looked over Pap’s shoulder, kinda, when he was reading off that paper and I did not see anything other than words on it, which is a good thing. Somebody asked me one time if I could read music and I answered “A little, but not enough to mess up my pickin'” And for B.ruth, most people that play music DO remember all the words to all the songs, we just don’t remember all the songs all the time…
    Y’all, every one of you, have a grand week, heah?

  4. thank you very much Pap, Paul, Mark, Ben & Tipper — I now have my happy on!!! Great harmony and joy on that one. I wouldn’t mind having a seat in the corner of that kitchen when the picking starts.

  5. Tipper,
    I enjoyed that song! Although I had
    never heard it before, there’s a
    Little Green Valley in each of us.
    Don’t I hear your higher pitched
    bass in there too, keeping perfect
    time as usual? I think a lot of the
    older songs just fit better…Ken

  6. Never heard it before, but loved it.
    For the Swain County readers, Granny’s Uncle Henry is, I believe – correct me if I’m wrong, Tipper – the same Henry Truett that we knew when growing up.

  7. Tipper,
    I loved just loved this song…
    I’ve seen a lot of the song videos but this one is just magic.
    Pap referring to the paper for the exact words was wonderful. I often wondered how they remember so many songs and the words.
    Awesome….Loved it…
    Thanks Tipper and crew…
    PS…I’m out to see my morning glories…not in the green valley but here on the hillside…

  8. I enjoyed the song, but most of all enjoyed watching your family make music. Your father and brother blend their voices beautifully.

  9. Tipper: I have never heard this ‘sweet’ tune before now. The fellows do a great, heart-felt performance.
    Eva Nell

  10. Reminds me of Lamp-lighting Time in the Valley…one of my favorites. Enjoyable read and listen. thanks.

  11. That is a nice tune and the guys did a good job, but then they always do.
    Is there a recording of Mr Robison whistling in 2 part harmony? I can’t even imagine it but I’d like to hear it.
    The crown of that hat he has on in the picture is big enough for two heads. LOL!

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