The Winding Stream - The Carters, The Cashes and the Course of Country Music

Valentine’s Day reminds us that a love attraction can be ignited in any number of ways. A fetching toss of lustrous hair beckons someone to come closer.  Big biceps can seem alluring.  A witty remark indicates a stimulating intellect. A smile signals promise.

For A.P. Carter, it began with a voice.  Sara Dougherty’s voice wafting over the hills near Copper Creek from the porch of her aunt and uncle’s cabin. She was singing “Engine 143” (not the most romantic song ever written being about a train wreck) but A.P was captivated nonetheless, especially when he put the voice to the image of the beautiful raven-haired 16-year old.  He asked her to play it again.

The following year they were married.

Here’s a little clip from the film about this fateful day.

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