The Golden Griffon Stringtet
Stewart Carmichael

Stewart Allan Carmichael was born May 6, 1899 in Chippewa Township, Mecosta County, Michigan. He played old-time, Michigan-style, dance fiddle for 85 years, from age 7 until his death in 1990 at age 91. In the summer of 1926, Stewart recalled playing for 94 dances. Stewart attended Jep Bisbee's dances in Paris, Michigan and played for the dancing when Bisbee needed a break.

Stewart's unique repertoire covers a span of time that few people are privileged to experience. Stewart was performing and playing "old-time" music before many of our modern "old-time" tunes were even written, giving one a fresh perspective on "old-time".

The small portion of Stewart's repertoire that has been preserved on tape recordings includes tunes taken from old-time quadrilles, popular square dance tunes, singing calls, two-steps and waltzes, as well as a few hymns.

The 2nd edition (2014) of the Stewart Carmichael - Michigan Fiddler tune book is the first edition that has been made available to the general public. Its 70 pages contain Stewart's self-penned biography, his recollection of the origin of the Original Michigan Fiddlers Association, unique family photos, anecdotes from family and friends and 64 tunes from Stewart's repertoire in standard notation with chords. The tunes include old-time favorites, popular tunes from the early 20th century and several tunes that have no name or were referred to only by the calls of the square dance which they were used to accompany.

The tunes in the Stewart Carmichael - Michigan Fiddler tune book are: