Charlie Poole with the North Carolina Ramblers

Charlie Poole with the North Carolina Ramblers was one of the most influential old-time string bands of the 1920s. Led by banjo player and singer Charlie Poole, the group was known for their dynamic blend of traditional Appalachian music, early country, and ragtime influences. Poole’s distinctive three-finger banjo picking style and charismatic voice helped define pre-bluegrass country music and garnered the group widespread popularity through 78 rpm recordings.

The North Carolina Ramblers often featured fiddle and guitar, creating a tight, energetic sound that stood out during the early days of recorded American roots music. Some of their best-known songs, like "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Blues" and "White House Blues," remain staples in the old-time and bluegrass scenes. Charlie Poole’s music left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of musicians even decades after his untimely death in 1931.

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