Sullivan’s Hollow

Sullivan’s Hollow is an old-time fiddle tune recorded by Freeny’s Barn Dance Band on December 16, 1930, in Jackson, Mississippi, for the OKeh label (catalog #45508). The recording by the twin-fiddle Freeny’s Barn Dance Band has been called by Tony Russell (1973) “one of the greatest string band recordings ever made.” The band consisted of cousins Leslie and Hendrix Freeny on twin fiddles, Carlton Freeny on tenor banjo, Cleveland Freeny on mandolin, and neighbor Fonzo Cannon on guitar, hailing from the community of Freeny in Leake County, central Mississippi.

Sullivan’s Hollow was a place near Lorena, Smith County, Mississippi — a place steeped in colorful legends of feuds and outlaws. According to the liner notes of the album Mississippi String Bands – Various Artists – Complete Recorded Works Vol 1 (1928-1935), Carlton Freeny said, “As a kid, I used to be afraid to go through the area” due to the ghost stories told about Sullivan’s Hollow.

Although often played in D major, it is also played in the key of C, and some musicians note that the original 78 recording sounds closer to C, possibly due to the fiddle being tuned down.

Modern interpretations include notable recordings by Uncle Earl (featuring Rayna Gellert on fiddle with Dirk Powell on accordion), Bob Carlin (banjo), and Kenny Hall (mando, fiddle).