Plains Trail Region
Alexander “Eck” Robertson Gravesite
Westlawn Memorial Park 314 S Hedgecoke St Borger, TX 79007
Alexander "Eck" Robertson
Who Are They?
Alexander Campbell "Eck" Robertson was a pioneering Texas fiddler widely recognized as one of the first musicians to commercially record country music. Born in Arkansas in 1887 and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Robertson became a champion fiddler whose early recordings helped lay the foundation for modern country and western music. He later settled in Borger, Texas, where he lived until his death in 1975.
Why They Matter
In 1922, Robertson recorded what many historians consider the first commercial country music records for Victor Records (later RCA Victor). These recordings marked the beginning of the country music recording industry. As a Texas-based musician who launched the genre’s recording era, he set the stage for generations of Texas country artists to follow. He was later inducted into both the Texas Fiddlers' Frolics Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in music history.
Signature Sound & Style
Robertson’s sound was rooted in traditional old-time fiddle music: lively, rhythmic, and deeply influenced by Southern folk traditions. His playing featured fast bowing, strong melodic leads, and dance-ready tempos that made tunes like “Turkey in the Straw” and “Arkansas Traveler” energetic and memorable. His style helped shape what would later become the standard sound of early country fiddling.
Must-Know Songs
- “Arkansas Traveler” (1922)
- “Turkey in the Straw” (1922–23)
- “Sallie Gooden”
These recordings are considered some of the earliest commercially released country music records.
[HEAR ROBERTSON'S HITS ON THE PLAINS TRAIL REGIONAL PLAYLIST]
Did You Know?
Although he helped launch commercial country music, Robertson never achieved major fame or wealth from his recordings. He claimed until his death that the Victor Company had treated him unfairly. Despite that, his 1922 session is still widely recognized as the moment recorded country music was born.
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