Evolving from 18th-century British fiddle reels into 19th-century minstrelsy and Appalachian old-time music, this American fiddle staple was cut by Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers as a barn-dance breakdown staple of early hillbilly records.
Adopted by GHQ educational officers as the primary accompaniment for the 'mixer' partner-rotation dance, it was codified nationwide as 'Oklahoma Mixer'—an essential social-recreation march for school sports days and campfires.
An Appalachian fiddle breakdown was redefined in post-war Japan as the standardized recreational dance 'Oklahoma Mixer'.