“Rickett’s Hornpipe” is an old tune named for John Bill Ricketts, a circus showman of the 1790s known for dancing hornpipes on the back of a galloping horse. The tune appeared in print before 1800 and has been played in American fiddling ever since.
A classic hornpipe, the tune has long been a staple of fiddlers North and South. Its bright, bouncing melody made it a standard in old-time and bluegrass playing alike.
The tune endures across the fiddle traditions.
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