Cedric Rainwater: The Steady Bass Behind the Bluegrass Sound

In the early days of bluegrass, when the genre was just finding its feet, few musicians were as dependable and essential as Cedric Rainwater—the stage name of Howard Watts. A bassist, songwriter, and occasional comedian, Rainwater brought rhythm, heart, and humor to the stage. Though he rarely stood in the spotlight, his steady presence helped support and define the sound of some of the most important acts in country and bluegrass history.

From Alabama Roots to the Country Stage

Howard Watts was born on February 19, 1913, in Montevallo, Alabama. Raised in a musical family, he started out playing guitar but eventually switched to upright bass, where he found his calling as the heartbeat of the band.

Watts had a gift for rhythm and timing—qualities that made him a perfect fit for the fast-developing world of country and hillbilly string band music in the 1930s and ’40s.

The Birth of “Cedric Rainwater”

He adopted the whimsical stage name Cedric Rainwater during his time with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. The name, reportedly inspired by an offhand joke about a “hillbilly-sounding” character, stuck—and so did Watts’s reputation as one of the most reliable and rhythmically solid bassists in Nashville.

Rainwater’s timing was impeccable, his tone rich and woody. But beyond the instrument, his easygoing personality and quick wit made him a beloved presence on and off the stage.

Playing with the Bluegrass Founders

Cedric Rainwater played bass for Bill Monroe during the pivotal years of bluegrass’s formation, helping lay down the rhythmic foundation behind Monroe’s mandolin, Earl Scruggs’ banjo, and Chubby Wise’s fiddle.

He contributed to early recordings like:

• “Blue Grass Special”
• “Molly and Tenbrooks”
• “Little Cabin Home on the Hill”

After his tenure with Monroe, Rainwater also joined Hank Williams’ Drifting Cowboys, placing him on stage and in the studio with one of the greatest figures in American country music. His time with Hank Williams included playing on hits like:

• “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”
• “Why Don’t You Love Me”
• “Moanin’ the Blues”

Whether in a bluegrass ensemble or honky-tonk band, Rainwater’s basslines added depth, clarity, and swing.

More Than a Bass Player

Rainwater wasn’t just a sideman—he also had a knack for comedy and songwriting. He performed novelty tunes and routines in live shows and brought a light-hearted touch to the stage.

He even recorded several humorous solo tracks, such as “That’s Cedric,” showcasing his warm voice and comic timing. Though not a frontman in the traditional sense, he was a showman at heart, delighting audiences and lifting the mood wherever he played.

Legacy and Influence

Cedric Rainwater’s contributions helped solidify the upright bass as a crucial instrument in bluegrass and honky-tonk music. He wasn’t flashy—but he was irreplaceable. His playing anchored the chaos and complexity of early bluegrass, allowing the lead instruments and vocals to shine.

His bass style, rooted in simplicity and swing, became a template for bluegrass bassists who followed. While the genre is often celebrated for its breakneck banjo solos and high harmonies, it’s the steady thump of players like Rainwater that hold it all together.

Final Years and Remembrance

Howard Watts—Cedric Rainwater—passed away on January 21, 1970, but his legacy lives on in the recordings he left behind and in the countless musicians who follow his example of modest excellence.

In the story of bluegrass, where mandolins and fiddles often get the glory, Cedric Rainwater remains a foundational figure—quietly steady, deeply skilled, and utterly essential.

Conclusion

Cedric Rainwater might not be a household name to casual fans, but among musicians and historians, his reputation is secure. With a bass in his hands and a grin on his face, he helped create the bedrock of bluegrass and classic country music. Whether backing Bill Monroe or Hank Williams, he gave the music its pulse—and gave audiences a reason to smile.