Iberia Breakdown by Bill Driver & R.P. Christeson

Bill Driver was a prominent fiddler from Iberia, Missouri, born in 1881 in Eldridge, Laclede County. He moved to Miller County and became well-known for his lively and steady fiddle music, which was perfect for square dances and local events. His father, William Driver Sr., was born to a slave and became a Free Will Baptist preacher. Bill married Violet Williams and had six daughters and one son.

Driver's fiddling career spanned several decades, primarily from the 1920s to the 1940s. He was a staple at Saturday night dances and local picnics, often accompanied by the Howser sisters on guitar. His music was a highlight at Hardy Lollis Park in Iberia during summer picnics.

R.P. Christeson, a notable collector of Missouri fiddle tunes, documented many of Driver's pieces, including the popular "Iberia Breakdown." Christeson first met Driver in 1928 at an annual encampment in Iberia, where Driver's music was highly appreciated. Despite his local fame, Driver was never sponsored for state contests, although he did make a notable radio appearance on WOS in Jefferson City, which garnered attention from listeners across several states and Canada.

Driver's repertoire was deeply rooted in the traditional music of his locale. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 104 in Jefferson City.

The Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers Association works to promote and preserve the traditional fiddle music of Missouri and the surrounding region. Your purchase here supports those activities.

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