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schlange - Posted - 05/30/2014: 15:37:56
This week's tune is "Tennessee Waltz" a beautiful slow waltz telling the story of love lost.
The story of the song's creation is interesting--even though it's commonly known as a country tune, it was inspired by Big Mon! According to Wikipedia: Pee Wee King, and most of his group, the Golden West Cowboys, were riding in a limousine in 1946 when he and vocalist Redd Stewart co-wrote the song. They were on their way to a Grand Ole Opry appearance in Nashville when they heard Bill Monroe's new "Kentucky Waltz" on the radio. Stewart began writing the lyrics on a matchbox while King and the other musicians hummed King's theme song, "No Name Waltz."
Patti Page released it on the B-side of her seasonal single "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" (Mercury Records #5534 released at the end of 1950.) It hit the Billboard #1 spot on December 30, 1950 and would remain #1 for 9 weeks. It has been recorded by numerous artists, mostly in the country western genre but also in the jazz, rockabilly, bluegrass, and folk genres.
Commonly done in the key of D--this week's lessons, and Jack Baker's tab below, are in that key. On the banjo this is often played in standard tuning, with the 5th string spiked up to A (so aDGBD)
Lyrics:
I was dancing with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Only you know how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
From Pee Wee King's version
Learn the Tune:
- Hear It: If you aren't familiar with the tune, be sure to listen to the versions I've included in the playlist to the right, and in the videos below.
- Casey Henry has posted a Murphy Method lesson for this tune--only $6 thru the end of the week. Get it here >
- John Boulding has posted a backup lesson for this tune--only $5. Get it here >
- Backing Tracks: Band in a Box tracks are included below at various speeds for your practicing pleasure
- Tabs: here's a good one from Jack Baker in the key of D and we also have a couple good ones in the key of G here and here
Share!
I (and others) would love to hear (and see!) you play your version of this tune--post it in a reply below!
Jack Baker - Posted - 05/30/2014: 15:50:05
Patti Page sang the best version I've ever heard of this tune. I'm still in love with her...what a a beauty she was and still is...I see her on the RFD channel every once in a while and she's so unaffected by it all...class to the 10th degree....Jack
Originally posted by schlange
Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/30/2014 15:50:39
MickG - Posted - 05/30/2014: 15:58:11
Here is a version by Gary "Biscuit" Davis.
Tab
Mp3
Mick
Jack Baker - Posted - 05/30/2014: 16:31:30
Hi Mick,
Your tab--it's so good as always and a great arrangement by Gary Davis.
....Jack
Originally posted by --MickG
Here is a version by Gary "Biscuit" Davis.
Tab
Mp3
Mick
Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/30/2014 16:32:55
Joe Connor - Posted - 05/30/2014: 17:20:34
I agree, Jack. Patti Page's version may be the finest example of pre-rock pop that the '50s produced.
Jack Baker - Posted - 05/30/2014: 18:51:50
Hi Joe,
Oh yeah, Patti made that her signature song forever, although probably unintentional. Pee Wee King wrote it to have that 111 (D7) chord in the chorus, in the key of Bb...Jimmy Martin leaves it out but J.D.'s backup is excellent as is Jimmy's vocal...A Classic song for sure...Jack p.s. The Andrew Sister's version also became a Classic in its own right.
pps. Ha My wife LN just chimed in and she's in love with Norah Jones as much as I am...so funny...
Originally posted by Joe Connor
I agree, Jack. Patti Page's version may be the finest example of pre-rock pop that the '50s produced.
Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/30/2014 19:05:39
Tam_Zeb - Posted - 05/30/2014: 23:36:39
One of my all time favorite tunes. There are so many wonderful arrangements it's hard to decide which one sounds the best, a little hint of Irish in this one.
Jack Baker - Posted - 05/31/2014: 06:48:59
Great version Tam....Thanks a bunch...Jack
Originally posted by Tam_Zeb
Banjophobic - Posted - 05/31/2014: 08:28:40
BU video is leadong and should be up this afternoon. 
KidfromDeliverance - Posted - 05/31/2014: 16:14:35
quote:
Originally posted by Banjophobic
BU video is leadong and should be up this afternoon.
Some typos are tougher, or more interesting, than others. Loading, maybe?
MOUNTAIN GOAT - Posted - 05/31/2014: 17:47:42
Not saying anything bad about the Patti Page version, but I think Eva Cassidy did it better. Great tune with just about anyone doing it. I will listen to all these and see what I can add to make what I do better. Thanks
MOUNTAIN GOAT - Posted - 05/31/2014: 18:05:12
Well maybe in a few more years I can do something with that tab. In the mean time I will just have suffer through what I can do for now.
Jack Baker - Posted - 05/31/2014: 18:30:45
Hi Bill,
Eva Cassidy was a beautiful singer. Much different time period and style than Patti Page...I personally try not to use the term "did it better" if possible. Each person brings a different touch to music....Jack
Originally posted by MOUNTAIN GOAT
Not saying anything bad about the Patti Page version, but I think Eva Cassidy did it better. Great tune with just about anyone doing it. I will listen to all these and see what I can add to make what I do better. Thanks
Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/31/2014 18:32:25
dkr - Posted - 06/01/2014: 20:35:44
I've never tried the Murphy Method until this tune. Bought the lesson and learned the tune in a weekend, which is quite fast for me. I don't have it smooth in all places, so I've still got a lot of work to get it where I want to, but I really enjoyed learning it this way. Thank you Ms. Henry.
schlange - Posted - 06/01/2014: 21:09:34
quote:
Originally posted by dkr
I've never tried the Murphy Method until this tune. Bought the lesson and learned the tune in a weekend, which is quite fast for me. I don't have it smooth in all places, so I've still got a lot of work to get it where I want to, but I really enjoyed learning it this way. Thank you Ms. Henry.
Once you try it it's hard to go back! (In my experience at least). Quickest way for me to learn and retain a tune, hands down.
Fathand - Posted - 06/02/2014: 13:52:39
Just looked up the chord chart. Am I the only person who puts the 3 chord in the 2nd half like this?
|1//|3//|4//|1//|///|6-//|2//|5//|
|1//|///|17//|4//|1//|5//|1/4|1//|
flatthead - Posted - 06/05/2014: 15:50:34
I had to play Tennessee Waltz at a wedding reception a couple of weeks ago.....actually not a tune I would have thought anybody would have requested for a wedding, but what the heck....I wasn't getting married!
BanjerKen - Posted - 06/15/2014: 06:17:47
I am wondering why Casey capos the 5th string in her lesson on this song as I don't recall any time when you actually pick the 5th string?
