I’ve finally found the perfect fiddle tune.
While helping out Walter Sigtermans with The Music of Elmo Wick, Vol. 2 (Minnesota State Fiddlers Association), I offered to learn and record a tune that Elmo Wick called “The Red-Haired Fiddlers Waltz.”
I did a little research, and found that in fact, it was a tune called The Red Headed Fiddler Waltz. Elmo likely confused the name, possibly with the common tune “Red Haired Boy.” This tune was originally a hymn in 6/8 time called “Never Alone.” It was recorded on a Canadian record label as a waltz called Never Alone (or “La valse d’un soir”) in the 1920’s by The Red Headed Fiddlers, a Texas band lead by fiddler A.L “Red” Steely. At some point, the tune name changed and was recorded and widely played in Canada by Don Messer and Andy DeJarlis. We know that Elmo got a number of tunes from these famous fiddlers, so it is likely where he picked it up.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Patti Kustorok recorded this tune on YouTube, and according to her, it was a tune called “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight.” The Traditional Tune Archive states that the tune with words and music was written in 1879 by T.B. Ranson and popularized by the Carter family has been widely recorded by country artists. However, other comments suggest that it was likely an Irish air that was used as a basis for the tune. Irish and Scottish tunes were used in minstrel tunes as well, so it is a reasonable presumption.
This is what makes it such a great tune for a fiddler to have in their repertoire. It’s like the “little black dress” of tunes – dress it up for a fiddle contest on Saturday, and still make it to church on Sunday. Pull it out for a jam with your bluegrass and classic country friends; learn to sing along with it – or not. Version appear in the American, Irish, French-Canadian, and yes, even Afrikaans musical traditions (Recorded in 2014 by the Afrikaans Konsertina Meesters). And – it was played in Minnesota.
Thanks, Elmo.
If you are as intrigued as I am – here are some resources and recordings, and of course, the sheet music with chords.
The Red Headed Fiddlers playing the “Never Alone” Waltz
The Carter Family singing – “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight”
Patti Kosturok’s fiddle version of “The Red Headed Fiddlers Waltz”
Sheet music for the Red Headed Fiddlers Waltz with chords (Elmo Wick’s notations with my edits.
Traditional Tune Archive Discussion – Never Alone Waltz
Traditional Tune Archive Discussion – I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight
“Never Alone” Hymn Original Sheet music from Hymnary.org
