Biography
During the 1920s Uncle Bunt Stephens captured fiddle competitions across the country and later performed on the Grand Ole Opry under the title “World Champion Fiddler,” establishing himself among the era’s most remarkable players. John L. Stephens came into the world in Bedford, Tennessee, in 1879; after losing his parents at a young age he was raised in the nearby community of Flatcreek. For several years he played harmonica before purchasing his first fiddle from a hobo at age eleven. Shortly afterward he began supplying music for dances and soon ranked among the state’s most sought-after fiddlers.
While employed on road crews and tending his own farm from time to time, Stephens entered a 1926 fiddling contest backed by Henry Ford and advanced to the national finals held in Detroit. His performance of “Old Cacklin’ Hen” secured the top prize, which included $1,000, a new automobile, and dental work arranged at Ford’s expense.
A little more than a month after the victory, Columbia began recording him; the four sides that resulted were “Candy Girl” paired with “Left in the Dark Blues” and “Louisburg Blues” paired with “Sail Away Lady.” Stephens subsequently toured the eastern states, made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and performed on numerous regional radio broadcasts. Although he never entered a studio again, he continued playing throughout Tennessee in the 1930s and 1940s until his death in 1951.
While employed on road crews and tending his own farm from time to time, Stephens entered a 1926 fiddling contest backed by Henry Ford and advanced to the national finals held in Detroit. His performance of “Old Cacklin’ Hen” secured the top prize, which included $1,000, a new automobile, and dental work arranged at Ford’s expense.
A little more than a month after the victory, Columbia began recording him; the four sides that resulted were “Candy Girl” paired with “Left in the Dark Blues” and “Louisburg Blues” paired with “Sail Away Lady.” Stephens subsequently toured the eastern states, made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, and performed on numerous regional radio broadcasts. Although he never entered a studio again, he continued playing throughout Tennessee in the 1930s and 1940s until his death in 1951.