Meriweather is a traditional old-time breakdown in G major from Kentucky. Most modern versions derive from the playing of W.L. ‘Jake’ Phelps of Todd County, Kentucky, recorded in 1973 by fiddler Bruce Greene. The tune’s title may refer to a prominent 19th-century Todd County, Kentucky family named Meriwether. Jeff Titon noted its relationship to Irish reels Tom Ward’s Downfall and Mourne Mountains. Notable recordings include Clyde Davenport’s 1986 album Clydeoscope on County Records and Malcolm Dalglish and Grey Larsen’s 1978 album First of Autumn on June Appal Records.
