Cotton Carrier papers

Collection

Identifier: M029

Staff Only
Not requestable

Scope and Content of the Papers

These papers consist of two folders and one oversize folder of photocopied printed materials, part of one reel of microfilm, and twenty-three photographs. The first folder of printed materials contains three pages of typewritten biographical material on Cotton Carrier, including information on his professional activities for WSB Radio, WAGA-TV, and the Lowery Music Group, and some details on his army service during World War II. One additional page lists Carrier's memberships, offices, and honors obtained from various professional and social organizations. The second folder contains two handbills advertising Jane and Cotton Carrier's appearances in Georgia festivals, and an issue of Mason Mint, a periodical published by the Mason Candy Company (a sponsor of WSB's "Barn Dance"), which includes an article titled "Mason Sponsors a Barn Dance." On microfilm are two scrapbooks relating to Carrier's professional activities. Included in the oversize folder is a 1980 issue of Marquee and a photocopy of an undated issue of Country Song Roundup.

The photographs, which are copies made from the originals, mainly document Carrier's career during the 1940s and 1950s, with images of him, his wife, his brother Billy with the other Swanee River Boys, and other musicians with whom he performed at WSB Radio and WAGA-TV. Also among the photographs are two pictures of the awards ceremony of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983.

Dates

Creation: circa 1940-1950, 1984

Creator

Carrier, Cotton (Joseph A.) (Person)

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research use.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Georgia State University is the owner of the physical collection and makes reproductions available for research, subject to the copyright law of the United States and item condition. Georgia State University may or may not own the rights to materials in the collection. It is the researcher's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and obtain permission from the copyright holder before publication, reproduction, or display of the materials beyond what is reasonable under copyright law. Researchers may quote selections from the collection under the fair use provision of copyright law.

Biography of Cotton Carrier

Born near Arthur, Kentucky, Joseph "Cotton" Carrier proved himself proficient on the mandolin, guitar, and fiddle at an early age. As a member of such early country music groups as Goober and His Kentuckians and later, The Plantation Gang, Carrier presented himself as a talented musician. It was reportedly his personality, however, that landed him the position of emcee on WSB Radio's popular "Barn Dance" program in 1941. After a hiatus between 1942 and 1946, when Carrier served in the army, he returned to Atlanta and WSB to become a well-known broadcaster. During his time with WSB, Carrier maintained a high profile, appearing on "Barn Dance," "The Dixie Farm And Home Hour," "Cracker Barrel," and "Georgia Jubilee." In the 1950s, Carrier continued performing as a vocalist and guitarist for Boots Woodall and the TV Cowboys on Atlanta's WAGA-TV.

Later in his career, Cotton Carrier worked alternately as a songwriter and promoter. In 1953, The Smith Brothers, an Atlanta gospel quartet, scored a hit with Carrier's song "I Have But One Goal." As a promoter, Carrier was equally successful, booking Elvis Presley's first Atlanta appearance in 1955. In 1957, he joined the Lowery Music Group as a record promoter and in 1980 he was named General Professional Manager for Lowery Music Group. He died in 1994 at the age of 75.

Carrier was married to the former Jane Logan, who performed on various country music shows on WSB during the 1940s. Carrier's brother Billy also became a well-known country musician as a member of the Swanee River Boys.

For photographs of Cotton Carrier, see Georgia State University Library Digital Collections

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (in 1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A talented musician, Joseph "Cotton" Carrier become a well-known broadcaster on Atlanta radio and television, beginning on WSB's "Barn Dance" in 1942. Later in his career, he worked alternately as a songwriter and promoter. His papers consist of photocopied printed materials, part of one reel of microfilm, and twenty-three photographs, and contain biographical material, including information on his professional activities for WSB Radio, WAGA-TV, and the Lowery Music Group, and some details on his army service during World War II.