We can't tell you how many times we've had the "BBQ conversation". In NC, there's a 50% chance it'll happen at any gathering. One guy starts talking about his BBQ preference, then the conversation turns towards a comprehensive rundown of every type of BBQ across the South.
We've talked about it so much that we knew that we had to incorporate the concept into a song, and what better fit than in the midst of a series of videos about food? Enjoy:
Thanks especially to the Homestead Pickers for backing us up. We literally played the song for them TWICE, then this was the second take. So, this was the fourth time these guys ever heard the song.
Thanks also to everyone who provided pictures for the song. We couldn't have done it without you. And to the people at Roadfood.com, thanks for the picture of mutton.
Thanks to Dave over at Firey Foods and
Shaun at Southern Barbecue for featuring the song!
We acknowledge that this song is not an exhaustive account of Southern BBQ, but it covers the basics. If you feel that your state was misrepresented, let us know below. Also, there are a few hidden messages in there for those of you who watch a bit more carefully. Let us know what you find!
Alston Bridges BBQ rocks in Shelby, NC but I'm from J'ville, NC so I'll always be an Downeast BBQ girl. Nothing beats Eastern NC BBQ! Kings, JC's, Thig's, Smithfield... it's all great!!
Downeast Girl · Sep 7, 2008 10:41am
Oh, yeah, notice a guy walking behind the band early in the video, mayonnaise is misspelled and the obvious one is you have California shown when talking about Florida. I'll have to watch again for more.
Komar · Sep 6, 2008 11:19pm
This Yankee knows BBQ and I love it all. Even have a Brinkmann smoker out back. I'm pretty good at smoking Brisket and learned a few tips in Memphis. Whenever I stoke up the smoker, my hand automatically curls up and I'm forced to put a beer in it. Strange how that happens.
Song is awesome.
Komar · Sep 6, 2008 11:11pm
Nice song! Hands down, Lexington style (NC) is by far the best. I like Speedy's and the Monk.
Chris Hinkle · Sep 5, 2008 8:36pm
Yep.....true Rednecks.....mixing California & Florida up !
By the way, we do have good Bar-B-Q in California (some of our kin came from the south).
Great song guys !
Carol · Sep 4, 2008 10:14pm
Agreed- Lexington NC BBQ is the best- ever. End of conversation.
MC Hammer · Sep 3, 2008 3:17pm
Okay now did you know the very last Confederate soliders to surrender were from FLORIDA. I was raised in Miami (admittedly not the south) where ribs are BBQ. I have still not been able to convince my South Carolina born and bred husband that Florida is southern, just talk to a North Florida native, they may make you a believer.
Nancy from Ridgeville, SC · Sep 3, 2008 12:02pm
The best BBQ is Eastern NC! Here's why. It is not just cooked pork without any smokey flavor, as you often find in Western NC, Alabama, or Georgia. It also has spices incorporated in the meat, such as vinegar, red peper, salt, pepper, delicately imparting flavorful busts of joy., especially at Smithfield BBQ restaurants, which is a local NC chain throughout the eastern part of the state.
And that's all that I have to say about that.
Banjoy Boy from Indian Trail (stuck between East NC and West NC · Sep 2, 2008 8:51pm
FOR REAL BBQ JUST COME TO LEXINGTON,N.C. THE BBQ CAPITOL OF THE WORLD. THE MUSIC IS OUT OF SIGHT!
DON SOUTHERN · Sep 2, 2008 6:45pm
We have lived in N.C. and Tenn..No comparsion to the BBQ in N.C. The best in the land!!
maw · Sep 2, 2008 2:20pm
The best BBQ in the country is by far in Shelby, NC. Alston Bridges BBQ or Red Bridges BBQ, the sauce and the red slaw make them the best!! You will want to slap your momma!!
Hill · Sep 1, 2008 9:39pm
It is ALL GOOD! But especially cball's and buddemeyer's.
What a great country with so many choices!
mama meyer · Sep 1, 2008 8:19pm
You haven't had Barbecue till you eat it at Whispering Pines in Albemarle, North Carolina. Every other barbecue is only pretending to be barbecue!!!!!!!
Shirlon · Aug 30, 2008 6:46pm
This is just the proof we need that Carolina is first rate BBQ.
Rick Baity · Aug 30, 2008 3:43pm
What great "pickers" you are! And your research and knowledge about barbeque and sauces was right on.....almost!
The very best BBQ SAUCE in the world is bottled in Hope, Arkansas by Helen and Hollis Shipp. It's a MUST HAVE for barbeque lovers all over the south (even in Florida!) Check it out!
www.shippsbbq.com
I recently took several bottles to a family reunion in North Carolina where good NC barbeque was served and all the cousins LOVED IT! They said they got home and had to order some for themselves.
Best BBQ in Texas is found at "Country Tavern" in Kilgore, Texas. BBQ lovers drive from Dallas regularly (120 miles to the west) to eat their devine ribs.
Lee from Texas · Aug 29, 2008 2:43pm
Here we get our "Q" from Little Richard's Lexington BBQ. An absolute must have! And don't forget the slaw and a side of sauce!
Your song should be on the radio!
Christy - NC Piedmont/Triad · Aug 29, 2008 12:41pm
Well, Thanks for the song. I am a Texas lady, and just a reminder that The Worlds Largest BBQ Cook OFF Takes Place at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. We have 384 Cooking teams from all over and we have a great time. We love our Texas BBq so come on down and visit us. Get the details off the Rodeohouston.com web site. Keep Grillin and Chillin.
God Bless ,
Linda
Linda Case · Aug 27, 2008 8:54pm
It is an established fact that the only real BBQ in the world is found in North Carolina east of US Highway 301. Others are as weak as a bunch of Yankees grilling a hamburger in the backyard & calling it "Barbequeing".
cameldriver · Aug 27, 2008 5:47pm
Barbacoa, the Mexican tradition of burying calf's head in coals to slow cook the meat and impart a mild smoky flavor is where the word Barbecue originates. Everything else is regional or cook's preference what with the type of wood, temperature, rub or sauce. In Texas the dry rub, cooking method and sides are influenced by the Mexican, Anglo, German, Czech, and Polish immigrants that settled here. This was evolved by Chuck wagon cooks on the cattle trails and perfected over the years in back yards and restaurants.
MMM, potato salad, pinto beans, jalepenos, pickles and onions. Don't forget fresh bread. I gotta go to lunch now!
Texas D · Aug 27, 2008 11:27am
Love it, Love it.......matter of fact, we are having a Tennessee Down Home Barbecue on Sept 6th....pulled pork, beans, Slaw, Ribs and all the fixins.............nothin like it.........
Dom Mazza - Long Island, New York · Aug 26, 2008 10:16am
Ya'll made a perfect song describing true good BBQ in NC. Thanks for incorporating the fact that some folks think BBQ means cooking out 'cause it doesn't. Using BBQ came from the yanks I think.
Southern Belle
Sandi · Aug 24, 2008 2:55pm
Im pretty sure that they meant to use California for Florida. Thats not the kind of thing you would overlook, especially for a song as clever as this. They are trying to say that Florida is as much of a southern state as California is. Classic classic stuff, good job. My wife is from Utah and talks about having a BBQ all the time. I've converted her to good 'ol NC BBQ though.
David · Aug 21, 2008 11:53pm
a co-worker just sent me this link and got me all worked up fo some hillbillies bbq......its the best, McAdenville, nc
michael b in nc · Aug 20, 2008 11:54am
CA and FL are both weird. They look alike in all ways.
Bob · Aug 19, 2008 9:36pm
I like the song, the only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that on the state symbols, California was used for Florida... big oversite! :D
Kelli · Aug 19, 2008 4:11pm
Have enjoyed a lot of BBQ in my lifetime. Was career military and did a lot of travel. Born and raised in Gastonia, NC so I am partial to the BBQ served at Black's and RO's. Live in Georgia now and their BBQ is fair, but nothing like that from Gastonia with an ice cold Sun Drop Cola.
Ken H · Aug 18, 2008 1:13pm
Love it! You are so right about the discussions on what "good" barbecue really is. Even in NC we don't agree - three distinct styles - Eastern, Western and Lexington. You ought to see what they call bbq slaw here in Gastonia, NC - you just would not believe it! Thanks for the song.
Sheila B in NC · Aug 18, 2008 7:39am
Keep up the good work boys!
We've not had any good Carolina style pork barbeque in Florida since Pop's in Oak Hill was sold.
Oh how I wish I could hit the Lotto before I die and open up a decent pit in Paytona Beach and strive for the best barbeque south of the Carolinas.
I just can't abide Western NC - Lexington style - it's minced to a mush.
Give me Eastern Carolina coarse chop whole-hog anytime.
I've heard that the "Little Pig" in Columbia is back to it's old standard and well worth a visit.
PWE · Aug 18, 2008 12:56am
White sauce is only used on chicken and it will make you slap yo'mama it's so good. It's a vinager base.
Pop's BBQ · Aug 13, 2008 5:56pm
Mighty fine pickin' and a singin' boys! Glad you showed some good Texas beef bbq, 'cause I can't hardly find any here in NC. I'm starting to acquire a taste for pork bbq, but then still can't find the spicy pinto beans and potato salad which should always go on a well-rounded bbq plate.
And I can't even imagine white bbq sauce?!
Long live the South!!
Ernie, from Texas, living in NC · Aug 11, 2008 8:45pm
the best BBQ is done with Williamson house Rib Kit ...go to :
www.WilliamsonHouseSauce.com
Better than Lexington, N.C. or any other I have ever tried !
Pat H. Asheboro · Aug 11, 2008 8:20pm
This song has been in my head for a week already.
Now I'm back to watch it again and add a comment.
Loved it, thanks.
Jason of Hill City BBQ
Lynchburg, VA
Jason · Aug 10, 2008 10:05pm
Wilson, NC has the absolute best BBQ.
Gail · Aug 9, 2008 8:43pm
Nicely done song.
For BBQ outta this world, try Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ in Llano, Texas. Umm, Umm.
Ya'll can have yore cold slaw...I'll take my BBQ with slow cooked Pinto beans and Jalapenos...Texas style!!
Argosy · Aug 6, 2008 9:20am
Ok, scratch what I said about Arkansas, I meant to say Alabama. Oh yeah, I like how you had the map of California with Florida, that was a nice touch.
Sarah · Aug 2, 2008 1:57am
Hilarious, but yet, so TRUE! Awesome harmony by the way!
I would have to say Lexington style is the way to go. Don't think I would want to try it in Arkansas, I'm not a big fan of mayo anyway, so I can't imagine my bbq being smothered in it.
Sarah · Aug 2, 2008 1:49am
I am from Pittsburgh and when we serve barbecue, it is ham shaved really, really thin and cooked in a vat of barbecue sauce. When you serve them, preferably on a bun, they are not only tasty but very, very juicyl (run-down-your-arm juice). mmmm Good!!!!!!!!!!
Sweet Pea · Aug 1, 2008 9:19am
Hey guys, c'mon now, I agree, Florida is not the south, but to totally leave out the Old Dominion (Virginia to you Yankees) is just plain mean.
We are southern born and bred - well all except those idiots in the northern part of the state.
We actually moved the Mason Dixon line to south of Fredericksburg.
Capital of the Confederacy · Jul 31, 2008 6:23pm
Great song. Makes me hungry for a chopped pork shoulder barbeque tray with cole slaw and hushpuppys from Wayne Monk's Lexington Barbeque in Lexington, NC. However, just to prove that great barbeque is in the taste buds (and the mind) of those of us who practice eating barbeque almost like a religion, my wife Linda still insists that the best barbeque in the world is the dry-rubbed pork ribs from Corky's in Memphis, TN. I am still not sure that anyone has uncovered the true origin of Southern-style Barbeque, but I believe it was a direct gift from God.
Larry Sink from Portland Oregon · Jul 29, 2008 7:10pm
Lexington style slow cooked over a Hickory pit, with red slaw, is # 1. When i lived up North, Damn Yankees kept talking about BBQ, then they asked, "Do you want pork or beef?" Dumbest question i ever heard.
Yadkin River Rat · Jul 29, 2008 4:39pm
Folks up north, where I currently reside, seem to think that "pulled pork" is barbecue. I grew up in NC and never heard the term pulled pork. All we had (and it was plenty) was sliced or chopped barbecue with (in my part of the state) a vinegar-based sauce. Anyone who thinks Baby Ray and KC Masterpiece are legitimate barbecue sauces sure as hell aren't from NC.
Now we need a song about cole slaw (again, a delicacy unknown in the north even though they sell an imitation in every deli) and hushpuppies!
harry · Jul 27, 2008 12:40pm
I've decided to quit work and just dedicate my time to this.
Have you ever had a heated conversation about BBQ not consisting of hambergers/hot dogs? I have. That's called "cooking out" or "grilling". BBQ is not a verb.
I appreciate this video, and I know that Oklahoma would be included in the song if you had the chance to visit and try some ribs. My dad can put the stank on them.
Holly (PORK BUTT!!!)
Holly · Jul 25, 2008 2:28pm
Suuuuey, boys....don't be goin' and mixing Florida up with California! Bout the only thing they have in common is one is known for hanging chads....
and the other is known for marrying 'em!
getrichBBQ · Jul 23, 2008 9:19pm
sweet tune, fellers, but you have a Virginia map as "Kentucky"...not sure if that was an error or some really esoteric cultural reference I don't get.
well done, and make mine Lexington style, from the banks of the (not so) Mighty Yadkin.
ljq · Jul 19, 2008 10:34pm
I'm thinking the California map for Florida was on purpose. They always claim to know more than us in the South so maybe a little dig?
Shawna · Jul 18, 2008 5:56pm
Go Eastern NC BBQ!! Durham, NC
How about a song about slaw???
Lynn Shields · Jul 18, 2008 4:58pm
I do love some sliced pork butt...i think cincy is close enough to KY to qualify...also...Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce is probably some of the best in the world...Check it out and order some...they'll ship anywhere....almost
Funkmaster Flash · Jul 17, 2008 1:09am
Hmm Florida looks alot like California to me! hmm
Great song!
Denise/Sorka · Jul 15, 2008 8:31pm
lol the georgia barbeque sort of looks like frosted corn flakes with bbq sauce on them lol
G-Reg_Hippo · Jul 15, 2008 11:43am
Two words...
INSTANT CLASSIC!
Ashy (from Alabama)
http://wanderingmen.com
Ashy · Jul 14, 2008 10:22pm
sorry Nicole. maybe you can fax me some white bbq sauce and i can tell you what i think, and i'm shure i'll love it.
Now if you will excuse me i am going to return to watching White Chicks i havnt been able to watch the full movie yet! :)
kelcie · Jul 14, 2008 9:25pm
haha. that's funny.
I live in the bbq capital of KY. : )
Owensboro. That's what we're known for-bbq.
Jes · Jul 14, 2008 4:30pm
VERY good. Love the ending about the Yankees. Very true.
MattP · Jul 14, 2008 4:17pm
The Band = FOCUSED.
Hahaha. Too awesome.
And heynow kelcie.
Don't diss the white sauce until you try it. It actually doesn't taste anything like most people would imagine.
Nicole (RandomNigel) · Jul 14, 2008 4:01pm
i had brisket the other night and last night i had ribs.........o gosh those were the best ribs my dad has ever made!
Aww Texas is the best place to live i want my daddy to make more ribs those were deliciouse!
great job guys, once again you have amazed my little brain with bbq facts i had no idea that there was such a thing as white bbq sauce, well now i know but i dont like mayonaise, or however you spell it! :)
kelcie · Jul 14, 2008 3:39pm
I realize it's a tour of southern bbq, but we do know what bbq is in Kansas City! KC BBQ is the best, and, of course, totally different from all the other types in the song...
chuko · Jul 14, 2008 2:06pm
thanks guys for the explanation. being in washington state i thought i bbq'd last night, but now i realize i just had a cookout. and i'm ashamed to say, i used kc masterpiece bbq sauce...
little lee lee beat me to it, but i noticed that your google image search result for florida was a little off.
and thanks for doing the voice-overs on the first part of the song, those old boys were drownin you out. :)
cephas76 · Jul 14, 2008 1:45pm
haha, this will definatly be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.. thankss :)
mcmo · Jul 14, 2008 1:26pm
You guys are right.....Florida doesn't have good BBQ. We don't have our own "thing" and we're not very southern :-( But that's ok, I'm from Virginia and even though it's not in the song, we have great BBQ up there!
sunny_gf · Jul 14, 2008 12:16pm
Nice song guys. once again youre true redneckiness shines through.! :D
G-Reg_Hippo · Jul 14, 2008 12:05pm
Florida image looks a lot like California - very funny!
I also appreciate Link fixing your glasses - that was a real sign of friendship during the song =)
Keep it up guys!
Little Lee Lee · Jul 14, 2008 11:47am
awesome song guys... as you know, RhettandLink, Im from Florida myself. I think that only Jacksonville is the southern most part of the south, but everywhere else in Florida south of J-ville is not.
No hard feelings, it was great guys.
danthemontageman · Jul 14, 2008 11:21am
Hey guys you forgot Virgina.... I know we're not the deep south... but we were at least on the right side during the civil war... that should count for something. :-)
Great song... Hope FL doesn't take it too hard. :-)
Matt · Jul 14, 2008 11:07am