Orange Blossom Special

The Orange Blossom Special was a deluxe passenger train that inspired the tune by the same name. Ervin T. Rouse wrote and copyrighted the song in 1938, and Ervin and Gordon Rouse

recorded it first in 1939.

There has been a bit of controversy as to the original composer of the instrumental.  Robert Russell (Chubby) Wise also claimed the song telling the story that he and Rouse had toured the train.  After being so impressed, Rouse said they should “write a song about it.”  Rouse never contested Wise’s claim to the song but others who knew both men have stated that it did originate from Rouse. Wise played a part in popularizing the song when he played it regularly on the Grand Ole Opry.

The Orange Blossom Special, originally an instrumental, gained lyrics later.  The Rouse Brothers wrote the lyrics, which can be heard on various recordings.  Notable recordings of the song include Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, and even the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra.

Quickly becoming a festival favorite, the Orange Blossom Special was also a factor in fiddlers becoming part of a band.  It allowed others to see the level of expertise and talent a fiddler maintained and if their abilities would draw the attention of fans.  It is still a highly requested and entertaining song at festivals.  Talented fiddlers have added flare and their style to what was already a classic song.