A. P. Carter

A. P. Carter (Alvin Pleasant Delaney Carter, 1891–1960) was an American musician and songwriter and a founding member of the Carter Family, a pioneering group in early country and folk music. Born in Maces Spring, Virginia, he formed the trio with his wife Sara Carter and sister-in-law Maybelle Carter. Beginning with their 1927 recordings for producer Ralph Peer in Bristol, Tennessee, the Carter Family helped popularize a repertoire of traditional songs and original material. A. P. was known for collecting and adapting songs from across Appalachia, shaping what became known as the “Carter Scratch” era’s songbook. His work influenced generations of country artists.