"Sara Dougherty Carter - The Un-Crowned Queen of Country Music"
“Sara Dougherty Carter – The Un-Crowned Queen of Country Music” McGrory’s Backroom Bar Wednesday, 12th August 2026
From The Hills of Donegal to The Appalachian Mountains” The Story of Sara ‘Dougherty’ Carter. As part of the Ó Dochartaigh Clann Association Gathering 2026, Idir Dha Loch Productions is proud to present a special one-night-only performance of “Sara Dougherty Carter – The Un-Crowned Queen of Country Music” at McGrory’s Backroom Bar, Culdaff, Co. Donegal. This original production brings to life the remarkable and often overlooked story a pioneering figure whose influence helped shape the very foundations of country music. Born on July 21, 1898, in Wise County, Virginia, Sara Dougherty grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. After the early loss of her mother and the departure of her father, she was raised by relatives in a home rich with music. There, she began collecting songs and developed her distinctive voice, accompanying herself on the autoharp, an instrument that would become synonymous with her sound. By her teenage years, Sara was already a sought-after singer at local gatherings. At just sixteen years of age, she married A.P. Carter, and together with Maybelle Carter, they formed the legendary Carter Family. Sara’s lead vocals and autoharp, combined with Maybelle’s groundbreaking guitar style,” The Carter Scratch” helped define a sound that would influence generations.
On July 31, 1927, The Carter Family drove the 26 miles from Maces Springs, VA to Bristol, TN. They had an audition on August 1st for Ralph Peer, the traveling talent scout for Victor Records. In his later years, Peer would say:
“As soon as I heard Sara’s voice, that was it. I knew it was going to be wonderful.”
By the 1930’s, The Carter Family had become ‘the most bankable Country music group in America, with total sales of more than a million records’. Even though Sara and A.P. separated in 1933 and ultimately divorced in 1936, The Carter Family performed and recorded together into the next decade. They did their last recording session for RCA Victor in October, 1941 and finally disbanded in March of 1943.
The Carter Family was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.
Sara Dougherty Carter passed away on January 8, 1979 in California.
Despite her immense contribution to the story of country music, Sara Dougherty’s role has often been downplayed. This production seeks to correct that, blending music, storytelling, and immersive visuals to celebrate her legacy and rightful place in the history of country music. The evening will be hosted by Pearse Doherty, a native of Carndonagh, Co Donegal now based in Galway, known for his work as bass player / songwriter with The Saw Doctors and as an event and theatre producer. While working on a production at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Pearse took the opportunity to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. A lifelong admirer of The Carter Family, he was particularly drawn to their exhibit, where he made a surprising discovery: Sara Carter’s maiden name was Dougherty. Intrigued by the connection, Pearse suspected Irish—possibly Donegal—roots. That curiosity led to a chance meeting in July 2025 with Eva Doherty Gremmert of the Ó Dochartaigh Clann Association. Through further research, it was revealed that Sara’s second great-grandfather, James Dougherty, was born near Letterkenny in 1771 before emigrating to the United States. Special Guests on the night will include singer / songwriter Finbarr Doherty, singer/ fiddle player Helen Mc Cabe plus many more fans of Sara and her songs.