Barren County-born Cynthia May Carver, better known by her stage name of Cousin Emmy, broke an early glass ceiling of musical entertainer, a role that had been reserved for men. This paved the way for Country stars such as Kitty Wells and Dolly Parton.
Cousin Emmy began performing as a child, playing banjo to accompany Carter family broadcasts in Kansas City. Her solo career began in the 1930s, including becoming the first woman to win the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest (1935). By the early 1940s, she had her own radio program on Louisville’s WHAS and was recording with Decca records. Her career spanned multiple collaborations, albums, broadcast and live shows, and a Hollywood movie. In the 1960s, she became an inspiration within and part of the folk revival.