First patented in 1881 by German instrument repairman Charles Zimmerman, the autoharp first reached popularity as a novelty instrument. By 1900, while that fad had passed, the autoharp found an enduring home in the southern mountains. This compilation features a variety of performers, as well as extensive biographical notes about each contributor.
1 Stoney's Waltz - Ernest V. StonemanÂ
2 Sweet Marie - Neriah and Kenneth Benfield
3 May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister? - Kilby SnowÂ
4 She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain - Kilby Snow and Wade Ward
5 Flop-Eared Mule - Kilby Snow
6 Bile Them Cabbage Down - Ernest V. StonemanÂ
7 All I Got's Gone - Ernest Stoneman
8 Ella's Grave - Neriah and Kenneth Benfield
9 Shortenin' Bread - Kenneth BenfieldÂ
10 Old Joe Clark - Kenneth Benfield
11 Waltz - Neriah BenfieldÂ
12 Precious Jewel - Kilby Snow
13 Ain't Going to Work Tomorrow - Kilby Snow
14 Muleskinner Blues - Kilby SnowÂ
15 John Henry - Kilby SnowÂ
16 Weeping Willow Tree - Neriah and Kenneth Benfield
17 Wreck of Number Nine - Ernest V. Stoneman
18 Red River Valley - Kilby SnowÂ
19 The Great Reaping Day - Ernest V. StonemanÂ
20 I'm Alone, All Alone - Ernest V. StonemanÂ
21 Jacob's Ladder - Kenneth BenfieldÂ
22 Way Down in the Country - Kenneth BenfieldÂ
23 Benfield Hoedown (Idaho Girl) - Neriah Benfield
24 Wildwood Flower - Kilby SnowÂ
25 Tragic Romance - Kilby SnowÂ