Maybelle Addington was born near Nickelsville, Virginia on May 10, 1909. In early 1926, she married Ezra J. Carter. Ezra's brother-in-law A.P. Carter welcomed her into the Carter Family group in 1927. They were originally a trio (Carter's wife Sara Carter rounded out the group), and she played on all of the band's many important recordings from 1928-1943.
She gained the respect of her peers and music fans with her intricate guitar work and warm voice. She was also known for her autoharp playing, and was nicknamed "Queen of the Autoharp." After the group broke up, she toured and recorded with her three daughters Helen, Anita, and June. While June is the best known of the three, Helen and Anita both had successful careers as well.
Her positive influence on those around her and cheery disposition gave her the nickname "Mother Maybelle." Carter passed away in 1978 in Nashville, Tennessee and was cremated in Henderson, Tennessee. Though she is gone, she remains a much-loved and highly influential figure in the country music scene. Country Music Television voted her the eighth greatest woman in country music history. She was also welcomed into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 2001.