Sam McGee
Musician · 1894–1975 · Franklin, Tennessee
Samuel Fleming McGee was an old-time guitarist and singer who, with his brother Kirk (the McGee Brothers) and fiddler Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, became a Grand Ole Opry pioneer and one of the earliest virtuoso country guitar soloists. His 1920s instrumental recordings helped establish the country guitar-solo tradition.
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- Born May 1, 1894, in Franklin, Tennessee; died August 28, 1975, in a farm accident in Williamson County.
- Absorbed slide and blues guitar techniques from African-American railroad workers as a young man.
- Recorded the landmark instrumentals “Buck Dancer's Choice” and “The Franklin Blues” in 1926.
- Joined Uncle Dave Macon's Fruit Jar Drinkers in 1927.
- Teamed with Fiddlin' Arthur Smith in 1931 to form the touring Dixieliners.
- Remained a Grand Ole Opry act for roughly half a century.
