General Notes

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"Eula Spivey Rushing of Troy made fiddlers' contest in Pike County
exciting. They would turn into 'shoot-outs' between her and several
excellent fiddlers in the area. (67) Everis Campbell, one of her top
competitors, described her as 'crack-shot fiddler.'(68) Her admirers
often requested a breakdown call 'Old Slow.'  As she played, Ellis Spivey
remembered, 'she pitched her voice to the tune and holler.' (69)
She was also a popular dance fiddler, usually accompanied by one or
more of her twelve children. She insisted that the band play well. 'If
you drag on her or if G string of the guitar was out,' said Carter
Rushing, 'she reach over and peck you with the bow.' He recalled that she
would play for a dance any night of the week, but on Saturday night, she
would set out a little clock. When midnight arrived, 'She put a shave and
a haircut' to the tune. (70) 'Eula Rushning was not one to lead people
into dancing on Sunday.' " (1)
(1) Joyce H. Cauthen, With Fiddle and Well-Rosined Bow: A History of
Old-Time Fiddling in Alabama (Tuscloosa, Alabama 35487-0380: The
University of Alabama Press, 1989), p. 75.
(67) Carter Rushing, interview with author, Henderson, 23 November 1984.
(68) William Everis Campbell, interview with author, Troy 23 Dec 1984.
(69) Ellis Spivey, interview tih Author, Robersdale, 24 Dec 1984.
(70) Rushing interview.