For many Missouri fiddlers, Gene Goforth wasn't just another great musician. He was the standard by which others were measured. His influence reached far beyond the Ozarks through the people who learned from him, the tunes he passed along, and the recordings that preserved his remarkable style.

In this episode, we look at why Gene's name still comes up whenever Missouri fiddlers gather, and why so many musicians, including John Hartford, believed his music deserved to be remembered.

In This Episode

• Gene Goforth
• John Hartford
• Eminence Breakdown
• Hamilton Ironworks
• The Missouri fiddle tradition
• Learning tunes by listening, not by lessons

Recordings Mentioned

Free downloads of the recordings featured in this episode are available below.

Gene Goforth & John Hartford - The Famous 1950's Recordings

Learn More

If you'd like to dig a little deeper, you'll find additional articles, photos, and resources at Broken Bow Fiddle Co.

Thanks for Listening

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate it if you'd follow the podcast and share it with someone who loves old-time music or Missouri fiddling.

At the time, I had no idea that little cassette would send me down a rabbit hole that I'm still following today.

In this first episode of Broken Bow Tapes, I share the story of how one anonymous recording changed the way I looked at old-time music. What started as a search for fiddle tunes slowly became a search for the people, places, and stories behind them.

Welcome to Broken Bow Tapes.

Connect

Learn more, read companion articles, and browse additional Missouri fiddle history at Broken Bow Fiddle Co.

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd appreciate it if you'd follow the podcast and tell a friend who enjoys old-time music or a good story.

Grab the album mentioned in this episode right here at the Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers Association (MSOTFA) Bandcamp site.

Music Featured

"Jump Fingers" - The ILL-MO Boys

"Scott Number One" - Unidentified Fiddling Objects

For years I've collected old recordings, chased down forgotten tunes, and talked with the people who kept this tradition alive. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't just collecting tunes anymore. I was collecting stories.

In this trailer, you'll get a glimpse of what's ahead. Future episodes will explore legendary Missouri fiddlers, rare recordings, old contests, family traditions, and the moments that shaped the music we still play today.

Thanks for listening. I'm glad you're here.

Listen to the music in this trailer here.

Broken Bow Fiddle Co.