Uncle Pen
Porter Wagoner
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Oh the people would come from far away they'd dance all night till the break of day When the caller hollered do-se-do we knew Uncle Pen was ready to go Late in the evening about sundown high on the hill and above the town Uncle Pen played the fiddle and oh how it would ring You could hear it talk you could hear it sing Well he played an old tune called Soldier's Joy and the one they called Boston Boy And the greatest of all was Jenny Lind to me that's where fiddlin' begin Late in the evening about sundown... I'll never forget that mournful day when Uncle Pen was called away They hang up his fiddle they hang up his bow they know it was time for him to go Late in the evening about sundown...
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14 facts about this song
Bill Monroe" Version"Uncle Pen" was composed and recorded by Bill Monroe, who some may consider as "the Father of Bluegrass music."
- The song was recorded in 1950 and received immense popularity later, reaching number seven on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1950.
- Monroe wrote this song as a tribute to his uncle, Pen Vandiver, who helped raise him after his parents died. Vandiver was a respected fiddler who had a profound impact on Monroe's musical development.
- This song recounts the house music parties that Vandiver would throw, entertaining the locals with his fiddling – a celebration of traditional, community-based entertainment.
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Leon Russell" VersionLeon Russell, a rock 'n' roll hall of fame inductee, known for his versatility in music, covered the song in 1973 on his album "Hank Wilson's Back".
- Russell's version embraces the country and bluegrass vein, yet adding his characteristic rock tint, giving a fresh dimension to the original composition.
- It was part of Russell's foray into country music under his country alter-ego Hank Wilson.
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Porter Wagoner" VersionRenowned country singer Porter Wagoner also covered "Uncle Pen" in his album "The Bluegrass Story" in 1964.
- Wagoner, known for his flashy Nudie suits and blond pompadour, was revered for his incorporation of traditional folk and gospel music. His cover of "Uncle Pen" stands as a testament to this.
- This cover retains the traditional bluegrass elements inherent in the original, however, Wagoner's distinctive low tenor adds a unique color to the song.
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General/Other Facts"Uncle Pen" was recognized as a classic of the bluegrass genre. It arguably shaped the future course of bluegrass and had an impact beyond country music.
- This song was subsequently covered by numerous other artists, underlining its timeless appeal, amongst them Ricky Skaggs, whose version reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1984.
- The song's lyrics also furnish a snapshot of rural Kentucky life and speak to an era before the prevalence of electric entertainment means.
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Creation"Uncle Pen" was written and first recorded by Bill Monroe in 1950. The song was inspired by Monroe's real-life uncle, Pendleton Vandiver, who used to play the fiddle during square dances.
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Chart and Sales SuccessThe song gained tremendous success and topped the country singles chart. It was one of the most popular songs by Bill Monroe.
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The Role of Leon RusselAlthough mostly associated with Bill Monroe, the iconic song was also covered by Leon Russell, an eminent rock and roll musician, showcasing the crossover potential the song carries from country and bluegrass into the rock world.
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Porter Wagoner's InfluenceCountry star Porter Wagoner also performed a rendition of the song, further reinforcing its place in country music history.
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Place in Music History"Uncle Pen" has been acknowledged as a significant part of the history of country music. It has served as an important benchmark in the career of Bill Monroe and portrays a vivid picture of the American bluegrass legacy.
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Induction into the Hall of FameIn recognition of its value and contribution to American music, the prestigious song "Uncle Pen" by Bill Monroe has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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Popular Cover VersionsBesides Leon Russell and Porter Wagoner, many other country and bluegrass artists have covered "Uncle Pen", including Ricky Skaggs, who's version of the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles in 1984.
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Impact on Festival CultureThe song's impact extends even into festival culture. "Uncle Pen" has become a common tune played at bluegrass festivals, and "The Uncle Pen Days" festival is held annually at the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park in Indiana.
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Skillful FiddlingThe song is known for its characteristically fast fiddling and energetic rhythm, demonstrating the complex and impressive musical capabilities of its originator, Bill Monroe.
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Tribute to Uncle PenThe lyrics of "Uncle Pen" paint a picture of Monroe's Uncle Pen playing the fiddle at local dances, hence, it's seen as a tribute to Uncle Pendleton Vandiver.
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Citation
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"Uncle Pen Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6873380/Porter+Wagoner/Uncle+Pen>.
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