The Arkansas Traveler (song)
"The Arkansas Traveler" is a folk song from the mid-19th century popularized by American singer and guitarist Mose Case. It is based on the composition of the same name by Sandford C. Faulkner. The score was first published by W. C. Peters in 1847 under the name "The Arkansas Traveller and Rackinsac Waltz".[1] It was Arkansas' state song from 1949 to 1963, and the state historic song since 1987.[2] The song has many versions, recorded by many people, and it has also inspired the creation of the children's song, "baby bumblebee" which shares the same tune.[3]
This article is about the mid-19th century fiddle tune and follk song. For other meanings, including works with a similar title, see Arkansas Traveler."The Arkansas Traveler"
History[edit]
It was Arkansas' state song from 1949 to 1963, and the state historic song since 1987.[2] The official lyrics were written by a committee in 1947 in preparation for its naming as the official state song. The song is traditionally known to have had several versions of lyrics, which are much older than Arkansas' copyrighted state historic song.[4] The other official Arkansas state songs are "Arkansas" (state anthem), "Arkansas (You Run Deep In Me)," and "Oh, Arkansas."[5]
The song's earliest known recording was by Kentucky fiddler Don Richardson for Columbia in April 1916.[6][7] The 1922 version by native-Arkansan “Eck” Robertson was among the first fifty recordings named to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.[1] An even earlier rendition, a recitation of the story by Len Spencer with accompaniment by an unknown fiddler, was recorded by the Zonophone label prior to May 1902.[8]