I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music

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Matokie Slaughter

Photo of Matokie Slaughter
From the Southern Songbirds program guide by Rachel Goodman

Hometown

Pulaski, Virginia

Date of Birth

December 21, 1919

Date of Death

December 31, 1999

Matokie Slaughter grew up in a large musical family, turning her hand to clawhammer banjo and developing a distinctive driving style. In the 1940s she played with other family members on local radio around her hometown of Pulaski, Virginia, and she also participated in fiddlers’ conventions. Matokie performed at folk festivals throughout the United States and also formed a band called Matokie Slaughter & the Back Creek Buddies that included her sister Virgie and iconic musician Alice Gerrard.

Take a Listen

Select Discography

  • The Clawhammer Banjo, Volumes 1 and 3 (Rounder Records)
  • “Georgie”

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Matokie Slaughter

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