As we have learned, “Eighth of January” is probably one of the most recognized fiddle melodies, whether by that title, "Jackson's Victory," or "The Battle of New Orleans." But did you know that there are two more fiddle tunes that have dates in January as their titles?

The Twenty Eighth of January

According to the liner notes on Fuzzy Mountain String Band’s 1972 self titled album, the fiddle tune called “The Twenty Eighth of January” comes from the playing of Frank George (1928-2017), a fiddler from Roane County, WV. Well known folklorist and researcher Alan Jabbour said he thinks that this tune is a minor version of “Miller’s Reel” which is also called “22nd of February” in George P. Knauff’s 1839 publication, “Virginia Reels and The History of American Fiddling.” Jabbour believes the “The Twenty Eighth of January" title confuses Washington’s birthday (February 22nd) with Jackson’s victory (January 8th).

The Ninth of January

Missouri fiddler Bob Holt (1930-2004) said he learned this Missouri square dance tune from his father, who told Bob that he heard it being played at square dances when he was growing up. It came from the playing of fiddler Charlie Deckard, and both Bob and his father had always known it as “Charlie Deckard’s Old Time Eighth of January.” 

“The Ninth of January” title for this tune comes from the time that Bob played it for a square dance and was asked for the name. Bob replied that it was “The Eighth of January.” The person who asked the question shook his head and said, “That’s not the ‘Eighth of January’.” Bob replied, “Well, then, it’s the ‘Ninth of January’!” 

Miller's Reel

Megan Lynch Chowning