Leonard Rutherford

Leonard Rutherford (March 22, 1898 – June 30, 1951) was an American old-time fiddle player from Kentucky, United States. He was a full-time live-entertainer and recording artist, but lacking any inclination for showmanship he performed in partnerships. For thirty-five years he toured with banjoist Dick Burnett, making a number of highly regarded recordings in 1926–1928. He formed a shorter recording partnership (1929 -1934) with guitarist and singer John D Foster but continued to play with Burnett.[1] Rutherford was born in Somerset, Kentucky and lived most of his life in Monticello, Kentucky.[2]

Rutherford has been described as "one of the prettiest of old time fiddlers, and he could sing too" [3] and "a versatile, long bow fiddler with an exceptionally sweet tone and a repertoire that included modern songs and tunes, as well as old-time tunes".[4] Dick Burnett's verdict was more mixed: "He could play that fiddle, he was the best in the world, but he wouldn't do nothin' else. You've got to have showmanship."[5]

  1. ^ Russell, Tony (2007), Country Music Originals, The Legends and the Lost, Oxford University Press ISBN 978-0-19-973266-1 pp 92-96.
  2. ^ Titon, Jeff Todd (2001). Old-time Kentucky Fiddle Tunes. University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 978-0813122007.
  3. ^ Russell p 92
  4. ^ Titon p. 214
  5. ^ quoted in Russell (2007).