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]