The Cackle Sisters: Unique, Old Time Country
Carolyn and Mary Jane DeZurik were two Minnesota farm girls who used their unique ability to weave bird sounds into their songs to create some of the most beautifully unique country music of the early twentieth century. The duo got their big break in 1937 when they began appearing as The Cackle Sisters on the Checkerboard Time Radio Show, and during the 40’s, their talents would earn them a regular spot at the Grand Ole Opry alongside country legends like Hank Williams and Minnie Pearl. Despite their unique style, the sisters would only record six songs for the the Vocalion label.
If I had to recommend a couple of songs that give a feel for their music, I would suggest The First Whipporwill Song or Old Dan Tucker.
If you enjoy them, WFMU’s Beware of the Blog generously hosts 31 more free downloads from the Cackle Sisters’ Checkerboard Time Radio Show Recordings.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy listening to the cackle sisters and I hope you do too. They’re one of those acts that has been lost to history and really shouldn’t have been.
Enjoy!
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November 9th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
I know you are into music. But how did you ever hear of them? And what made you decide to listen to them?
November 9th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
There’s a related link below the post called the 365 day project where they put out new music every day for a year. I think I first found them back then. I listened to them because they’re really odd, and I wanted to point other people their way because I think they’re under appreciated.
November 12th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
That was the weirdest thing I’ve heard all day (and I work in advertising). Thanks!