“Panhandle Rag” was written by Leon McAuliffe, the steel-guitar player who came up with Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. McAuliffe recorded it as a solo number, and it became a top-ten country hit in 1949.
A bright, swinging instrumental rooted in Western swing, “Panhandle Rag” has a ragtime lilt and plenty of room for hot soloing. Its catchy melody made it a favorite well beyond the steel guitar, and it crossed readily into bluegrass.
The tune is played in bluegrass as a swing showpiece.
Assisted by AI.
Spot something off? Help us fix it.
