Fiddler's Dram: A Strange Tennessee Folktale

Fiddler's Dram: A Strange Tennessee Folktale

Author: The Moonlit Road, LLC May 5, 2026 Duration: 14:35

In this eerie Tennessee folktale from Weakley County, a legendary fiddler emerges for one last contest, chasing the coveted "fiddler's dram."

Fiddling contests were once the heartbeat of rural communities—where pride, reputation, and a jar of fine whiskey were all on the line. But on this particular night, as the music begins and the crowd leans in, something about the man on stage feels… not quite right.

🎻 A backroads tale of music, mystery, and a performance no one could explain.

If you enjoy this story, take a listen to another "fiddling ghost story" - The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-ghost-of-fiddlers-rock-tennessee

For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com

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"Fiddler's Dram" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey

Storyteller: David Hirt

Music: Randall Franks - https://randallfranks.com

Audio Production: Henry Howard

The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Keywords: Tennessee folktale, Southern folklore, fiddle contest, American folklore, backroads stories, The Moonlit Road


For over two decades, The Moonlit Road Podcast-Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore has been a destination for those drawn to the shadows and whispers of the American South. This isn't a collection of generic spooky tales; it's an audio preservation project, dedicated to the region's rich oral traditions. Each episode feels like a gathering on a creaky porch or around a dying campfire, where the air is thick with humidity and history. You'll hear authentic stories passed down through generations, now carefully preserved and performed by masterful Southern storytellers, folklorists, and musicians. The voices you encounter are the heart of the podcast, carrying the distinct accents and rhythms that make these narratives feel lived-in and real. They unearth more than just classic ghost stories-they delve into local legends, peculiar folklore, and forgotten mysteries that define the Southern landscape. The production emphasizes atmosphere, using sound and music to pull you deeper into the pine forests, misty swamps, and crumbling antebellum homes where these tales reside. It’s a journey off the beaten path, exploring how the past-with all its complexities, tragedies, and lingering spirits-continues to echo into the present. Listening to this podcast is an immersive experience, a step into a world where the line between story and memory, the living and the dead, is beautifully and hauntingly blurred.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore
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