Dave Macon

American musician

Also known as: David Harrison Macon, Uncle Dave Macon

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Oct 3, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

Orig.:: David Harrison Macon

Born:: Oct. 7, 1870, Smart Station, Warren county, Tenn., U.S.

Died:: March 22, 1952, Readyville, Tenn. (aged 81)

Also Known As:: Uncle Dave Macon; David Harrison Macon

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Dave Macon (born Oct. 7, 1870, Smart Station, Warren county, Tenn., U.S.—died March 22, 1952, Readyville, Tenn.) was a U.S. country music singer and banjo player. He grew up in Nashville, where his parents ran a hotel that catered to traveling performers. He was in the mule business for 20 years; after the trucking industry put him out of business, he became a professional musician. Performing as Uncle Dave Macon, he entertained audiences with his jovial folk tunes, such as “Go Long Mule,” and energetic showmanship. He is considered the first individual to become a star of the Grand Ole Opry, and he was an Opry regular from the mid-1920s until his death.

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