Born on July 2, 1923 Janette Carter was only 4 years old when a talent scout “discovered” her parents in Bristol in 1927. A.P. and Sara Carter performed with Janette’s Aunt, “Mother” Maybelle Carter. Raised in that environment, Janette grew up around traditional music. And she had a true love for it.

She, and her brother Joe, built a barn in 1976 with room for about 1000 people. They called it The Carter Fold and started holding Saturday night shows featuring only acousitc music, to preserve the legacy of The Carter Family.

When her brother Joe passed away last March, at the age of 78, Janette became the last surviving child of members of the original Carter Family. She continued to perform in that same barn and honor her parents music. On Sunday, January 22nd 2006, Janette left this world. But her influence, and that of her family, still remains. Her daughter Rita Forrester will continue the tradition of the Carter Family Fold.

Scott County Funeral Home in Weber City, Virginia is handling the final arrangements, which have not yet been announced.

For more information about Janette and The Carter Family Fold, visit their website at CarterFamilyFold.org.

Also, be sure to read Murphy Henry’s post The Carter Family Fold.