Charlie Poole

Charles Cleveland Poole (March 22, 1892 – May 21, 1931) was an American old-time musician and string band leader. His group, the North Carolina Ramblers, recorded many highly popular renditions of traditional songs from 1925 through 1930. Poole is widely regarded as a pioneer of American country and folk music. His instrumental style and sound led to the development of bluegrass over the decade following his death, and in the years since, he has continued to have an influence on prominent recording artists, from Bob Dylan and Jerry Garcia to John Mellencamp and Billy Strings.