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Johnny Lee’s Cherokee Fiddle brought the fiddle to the dancefloor in 1979, blending country with a touch of roadhouse swagger. Originally written and recorded by Michael Martin Murphey, Lee’s version first appeared on the Urban Cowboy soundtrack, then was remixed and re-released in 1982. With that sawdust-floor shuffle and fiery fiddle breaks, the song tells the story of a Cherokee busker playing his heart out in Texas bars. It climbed into the Top 10 on the country charts and became one of Lee’

Cherokee Shuffle is a popular American fiddle tune, played in the key of A. This is the third version here at Pickin’ Lessons on the mandolin and is a variation that approaches the melody in a more basic way, while still capturing the essence of the tune. Well suited to the intermediate picker, this arrangement is also beginner friendly while being a handy variation for the more advanced picker when playing at faster tempos. In the lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips.

"Cherokee Fiddle" Brayden Williamson Johnny Lee (Urban Cowboy) Cover We do not own the rights to this song, this is a cover recording. Songwriters: Michael Murphy | Brayden Williamson

Johnny Lee's version of "Cherokee Fiddle" was included on the soundtrack for the movie "Urban Cowboy" in 1980. But did you know it was a cover? Yep! Michael Martin Murphy released it first in 1977. Watch Jonny perform it with his daughter, Cherish Lee. | Country Music Nation