Feudin' Again: The 1979 Bluegrass Classic by Arthur Smith & Don Reno Hits Digital and Streaming - LA's The Place

Bluegrass fans have a reason to celebrate: CMH Records (Country. Music. Heritage.), a label with a legacy as rich as the music it represents, has just released Feudin’ Again by Arthur Smith & Don Reno on digital and streaming platforms for the very first time. Originally recorded in 1979, this album has been carefully remastered from the CMH archives to capture its warmth and energy in a way that longtime fans and new listeners can fully enjoy.

A Legendary Reunion

Back in 1972, Arthur Smith’s 1955 composition “Feudin’ Banjos” gained a whole new life when it became a highlight of the thriller film Deliverance. Suddenly, this banjo duet turned into an unexpected cultural phenomenon nearly two decades after its debut. It was the musical alchemy between Smith and his longtime collaborator, Don Reno, that made it unforgettable. Fast forward to 1979, and Smith and Reno reunited for Feudin’ Again, bringing their collaborative magic back into the studio.

This album is a rare gem for instrumental fans, with Reno on banjo and Smith on guitar, cruising through twelve tracks that showcase bluegrass finesse and classic American standards. Tracks like “Hello Dolly,” “Over The Rainbow,” and “Sheik of Araby” bring a fresh energy to well-loved songs, while two Arthur Smith originals, “Follow Me Boogie” and “Chicken,” offer playful, foot-tapping moments that reflect Smith’s musical genius. The record closes with “12th Street Rag,” a classic ragtime piece where the two musicians absolutely blaze, displaying their technical prowess and love for the genre.

Listen to Feudin’ Again here

The Roots of CMH Records

Founded in 1975 by Martin Haerle, CMH Records quickly became a home for foundational bluegrass, country, and American roots music. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, CMH recorded legendary artists like Merle Travis, The Osborne Brothers, and Lester Flatt, helping preserve and promote the sound of America’s heartland. Over the years, CMH continued to evolve, recording everyone from rockabilly icon Wanda Jackson to modern bluegrass innovators like Larry Cordle and Raul Malo. With a catalog rich in American heritage, CMH has become an undeniable staple for roots music lovers.

A Family Legacy Continues

Now under the direction of Martin Haerle’s son David, CMH remains a family-run business with a commitment to music that resonates with audiences across generations. The Los Angeles Times called CMH “a stubborn, curious Silver Lake music company” that “meets unsung needs in the music industry” through creative and thoughtful diversification. CMH’s popular Pickin’ On series—featuring bluegrass covers of modern hits by Nirvana, Modest Mouse, and more—continues to bring in new fans and keep the label relevant in a changing music landscape.