I learned this tune while staying at the Ludiker house when I was a teenager. The Ludiker family had a gig and this was one of the tunes they played. I thought it was so cool that I had Tony teach it to me the next day.
I have done quite a bit of looking into the history of this tune and haven’t found much other than a few recordings of it, and people who have recorded it. It looks like it might be of Canadian origin. Fiddler’s Companion has no record for it. If you know any information, please enlighten me!
* UPDATE from Calving Vollrath – Canadian Fiddler *
Graham was definitely a favorite of many of the Canadian fiddlers, me included. He was a master fiddler to say the least.
I can tell you that a fiddler by the name of Roy Warhurst wrote Back 40 Rip Off. Roy wrote many wonderful tunes including Blackfoot Jam and Pat’s Country as well. Roy is a Western Canadian boy, I believe.
Back 40 Rip Off and Blackfoot Jam were recorded by Al Cherny of the Tommy Hunter TV Show and were made popular by Al.
Graham recorded these tunes many years later on a recording called “Country Licks and all that Jazz”, I believe. I think the album might have been released after he passed away. I’m not totally certain on that.
Roy was and maybe still is a great fiddler. Living in southern Alberta or BC now. In 1994-1997 he played fiddle with the Sons of the Pioneers. I’m not sure he still plays but he was a good one for sure in his day. Probably still is. I haven’t heard of him playing in the last bunch of years.
Thanks to Maureen Nolan for this additional information!
| Maureen Nolan, Elgin, Ontario, Canada |
| http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/PrintArticle.aspx?e=841065According to this newspaper article, Back 40 Ripoff was written by our own fiddle champ (the late) Graham Townsend. |
Back Forty Rip Off was composed by Roy Warhurst.
Al Cherny who was the fiddler on the Tommy Hunter Show on CBC for 25 years recorded it and made it popular.
Graham recorded it many, many years after Al did.
Roy is a great player that wrote many tunes. Blackfoot Jam, Pat's Country, to name a few. After a long career in Canada he then toured with the Sons of the Pioneers up until just a few years ago, I believe.
Calvin Vollrath
I just did a search on Roy and he played with the SOP from 94-97. More than just a few years ago, I guess. My how time flies…..
I believe Roy is living in Southern Alberta or BC. Not sure if he's still playing but he was a hot fiddler in his today. Probably still is.
worked with Roy for years, he always did this tune…we did an album called NOTHWEST REBELLION way back when, some good tunes there.
The newspaper in Ontario got it wrong. Roy Warhurst did compose the tune, not Graham and if Graham was still alive, he'd confirm that for you.
Roy did compose the tune and I heard it from Al Cherny before Graham recorded it!
If anyone would happen to know where Mr. Warhurst does reside and how to get a hold of him that would be very much appreciated. He was a very good friend of my late fathers and we are trying to get back in touch with Roy.
I’m proud to say that Roy is my Grandpa. I remember listening to his records and watching him on Country West in the 80’s. He’s so humble about his career I sometimes Google him to see what comes up, lol. Truly gifted and a wonderful man.
Weighing in a little late, but Roy is indeed the composer of the Back 40 Ripoff.
Although Roy retired from playing professionally in 1997, he does still play occasionally for friends and family, and on a few rare occasions he can be heard out at the Great Canadian Barn Dance in Southern Alberta.
An article written by Gordon Stobbe in the Spring 2011 issue of Fiddler Magazine can be found through the Great Canadian Barn Dance at: http://gcbd.ca/roy-warhurst/
Thanks for weighing in, Lorena. And I appreciate the additional info.
Beautiful musical performance !
Thanks, Michael.