This North Carolina Law Keeps Bad Musicians Out Of The State

North Carolina is over 230 years old, and with that comes a rich history, but it also means there are some laws on the books that are a little more outdated. One law that still is on the books isn't enforced anymore, but if you've been out to eat and there's a musician on their first gig... you'll wish it was.

Some Weird Laws

North Carolina has a few weird laws outside of the one regarding music performance - did you know it's illegal to serve alcohol at bingo games? Or that it's prohibited to have elephants plow your cotton field?

While these are ridiculous now, there was a reason at one place in time for them to be put in place, just like the regulations regarding live music.

The Laws Keeping Everything In Tune

According to an old statute put in place in North Carolina during the early 20th century, anyone singing out of key or out of tune would be breaking the law. The law was designed to be a way to maintain "public decorum."

It began when a man named Wiliam Linkhaw was charged with disrupting a religious service in Lumberton after singing so badly out of tune that it caused laughter in the courtroom when it was imitated.

Should You Be Worried?

via GIPHY

Absolutely not. You've never seen the police break down the door during karaoke night and haul off Jim while he's singing Margaritaville in his usual monotone voice. It is a reminder that some of these old laws on the books can be weird, and have their quirks.