While "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" is usually considered to be a traditional song, it was quite possibly composed by the legendary Uncle Dave Macon (1870-1952) also known as "The Dixie Dewdrop". He was an American old-time banjo player, singer, songwriter and comedian known for his whiskers, plug hat, gold teeth and flamboyant style. He gained regional fame as a vaudeville performer in the early 1920s before becoming the first star of the Grand Ole Opry in the latter half of the decade. The lyrics may have come from African traditions via minstrel show traditions. Uncle Dave recorded it in 1924, followed closely by Henry Whitter's recording in 1925. It was also recorded by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson, Ralph Rinzler, Mississippi John Hurt and others. It was printed in Pete Seeger's The Bells of Rhymney.