The Cumberland Trio

Into the Recording Studio

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The Cumberland Trio’s exposure on national television caught the interest of Archie Campbell, a successful country entertainer, later of "Hee Haw" fame.

Campbell arranged with long-time friend Chet Atkins to produce a recording session for the Trio at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville in April of 1964. Fifteen songs were recorded live in the studio with no retakes or overdubs. It was termed by Atkins, "Performing their show in the studio." Atkins did play bass behind the Trio while Jim whistled the break on "Song For A Drifter", then flipped it back to Jim without either missing a "lick". While in Nashville, the Trio appeared as Campbell’s guests at the Grand Ole Opry at historic Ryman Auditorium.

Jerre Haskew in Nashville
preparing to go to the
RCA recording session, April 1964

Outside Holiday Inn in Nashville
waiting to leave for RCA recording session,
April 1964
L-R: Andy, Tom (seated), Jim & Bob Newsome,
Cumberland Trio Manager

Based on this successful taping, RCA offered a recording contract to The Cumberland Trio. However, a new publicly owned recording company based in Nashville and New York, Recording Industries Corporation (RIC), also offered the Trio a contract. RIC had just signed mega-pop stars Bobby Darin and Brenda Lee and was interested in expanding their recording into the folk arena. They offered a considerably more attractive contract, so the Trio signed with RIC.

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