If you grew up in the south during the early part of the 20th century, chances are you have heard the song Old Dan Tucker. Folk musicians around the country have recorded it and even Bruce Springsteen has his version on an album. But who was Old Dan Tucker and where did this song come from?
A few years ago, I made a trip to north Georgia in search of Old Dan Tucker’s grave. To say it is difficult to find would be an understatement. I was out alone, the wind above me was blowing through the trees and nearby, a crow chimed in as to harass me for my futile search. I never found the grave…but was still very curious.
Years later, I made another trip to this rural area near Elberton, Georgia and found the grave. It is on a bluff overlooking Lake Russell in a very wooded area, far from the main roadway. Resting beside him are headstones for family members and I am told, that nearby, once stood his plantation home. Overlooking an undammed Savannah River high on a bluff…this must have been a pretty wild place during Old Dan Tucker’s time.
But who was Old Dan Tucker and why a song about this man?
According to a Georgia Historical marker nearby: Rev. Daniel Tucker owned a large plantation on the Savannah River and is buried near his old homesite, “Point Lookout,” six miles from here. Born in Virginia, February 14 in the mid-1700s, Daniel Tucker came here to take up a land grant.
It turns out Reverend Tucker had fought in the American Revolution. He was also a planter and a ferry operator, running Tucker’s Ferry near his home. But, he became very close with slaves because of his calling as a minister, spending time praying and singing with all races. Hence the slaves came up with the song Old Dan Tucker. So, what about the song?
According to Wikipedia:
There are as many variants of the song "Old Dan Tucker", also known as "Ole Dan Tucker", "Dan Tucker", and other variants. Its origins remain obscure; the tune may have come from oral tradition, and the words may have been written by songwriter and performer Dan Emmett. “
The song became a minstrel hit and was popularized as “Old Dan Tucker” in 1843.
Listening to the song, the lyrics address Tucker directly saying “You’re too late to get your supper…” The thinking is that due to his trade and busy life, he was often late and had to scrounge for something to eat because he missed supper. On April 7th, 1818 Daniel Tucker passed away. The song, Old Dan Tucker continued long after his passing and was a favorite at corn shuckings and other social gatherings. We’ll see you next time on Stories, Secrets and Sagas.
