The Stories of “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music”

Cousin Emmy

Voice Magazine for Women is proud to partner with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, to take you inside the special exhibit I’ve Endured: Women Old-Time Music, on display at the museum through December 31, 2023. Each month through the duration of the exhibit, we’ll feature impactful stories of the hidden heroines, activists, and commercial success stories of the women who laid the foundation for country music. Inspiring and insightful, you may just find a piece of yourselves, or a loved one, in the stories of some of these hidden figures in American music.

By Guest Contributor Charlene Tipton Baker

Cousin Emmy, born Cynthia May Carver on November 29, 1903, was a remarkable figure in the genre of old-time music. Hailing from the small town of Richwoods, Missouri, Emmy rose to prominence during the 1930s and 1940s as a multi-talented musician, vocalist, and entertainer. Her contributions to the genre and her unique style have left an indelible mark on the history of American folk music.

Emmy’s journey in music began at an early age, influenced by her family’s musical background and the vibrant local music scene of Missouri. She honed her skills playing the fiddle and banjo, developing a distinctive playing style characterized by infectious rhythms and intricate melodies.

Emmy’s breakthrough came in the early 1930s when she joined the famous Kentucky-based Renfro Valley Barn Dance radio show. This platform allowed her to showcase her talents to a wider audience, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Her renditions of traditional folk songs, ballads, and blues captivated listeners across the nation. Emmy’s unique ability to infuse her performances with raw emotion and authenticity made her shine on stage.

Emmy was the first woman to win the National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest, and by 1938 she had her own band, Cousin Emmy and Her Kinfolk, and a radio show. She would eventually go on to record one album for Decca Records. Her recording of the song “Ruby,

Are You Mad” inspired the Osborne Brothers to do their own version, which became their signature song.

Emmy’s exceptional vocal range and sassy, captivating stage presence further added to her allure as a performer, similar to that of Uncle Dave Macon and Minnie Pearl. A consummate show-woman, Emmy was known to dress in outlandish costumes and perform gags, and once played almost two dozen instruments during her show.

Emmy starred in two Hollywood films: Swing the Saddle and Under the Western Sky. She lived in Los Angeles for a time during the filming of both movies and while playing in country music clubs also adopted two children. The New Lost City Ramblers encouraged her to record an album with them in 1967 to critical acclaim, cinching them a famous appearance at the Newport Folk Festival.

One of Cousin Emmy’s most notable contributions was her role in preserving and popularizing traditional Appalachian and Ozark music. Her repertoire encompassed a wide range of musical styles, including gospel, country, and blues. By incorporating these diverse influences into her performances, she helped introduce audiences to the rich musical heritage of rural America. Emmy’s commitment to preserving these traditions and her dedication to showcasing them on a national stage made her an important figure in the folk music revival of the mid-20th century.

Cousin Emmy’s impact extended beyond her own performances. She served as an influential figure and mentor to many aspiring musicians who looked up to her as a trailblazer in the genre. Her unique playing techniques and vocal stylings influenced a generation of musicians, including notable artists such as Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and Pete Seeger. Grand Ole Opry regular and Hee Haw cast member Grandpa Jones met Cousin Emmy when he was young, and he credited her with teaching him to play clawhammer-style banjo; she also encouraged him to develop his on-stage persona. Emmy’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional folk music and popular culture helped pave the way for the folk revival of the 1960s, inspiring countless musicians to explore and celebrate their own musical roots.

In recognition of her contributions, Cousin Emmy was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 2011. Though she passed away in 1980, Cousin Emmy’s enduring influence ensures that her contributions to the genre will forever be remembered and cherished.

Stay tuned! Next month’s I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music spotlight will focus on Amythyst Kiah, the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies graduate turned GRAMMY nominee who calls Johnson City home.