Burnett & Rutherford

Dick Burnett and Leonard Rutherford, known as Burnett and Rutherford, were an Old-Time duo from Kentucky. Dick Burnett, born in 1883 near Monticello, Kentucky, became blind in his early twenties and was a skilled multi-instrumentalist. In 1914, he met 14-year-old Leonard Rutherford, who became his musical partner and learned fiddle under Burnett’s guidance. The duo gained local popularity by performing around Kentucky. In November 1926, they were invited to record for Columbia Records after being discovered at the Blue Bonnet Coal Camp. Their first session produced hits like "Pearl Bryan" and "Lost John." They released over 50 pieces for Columbia and Gennett Records through 1930, including notable songs like "Little Stream of Whiskey" and the autobiographical "Man of Constant Sorrow." The duo's career declined during the Great Depression. Their works were preserved and celebrated with the release of Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order (1926–1930) in 1998.

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