Ervin Thomas Rouse (September 19, 1917 – July 8, 1981) was a renowned American fiddler and songwriter, celebrated for his iconic composition "Orange Blossom Special" (1938), often referred to as the “unofficial anthem of bluegrass.” Born near Fort Barnwell, North Carolina, Rouse was considered by some to be the “greatest fiddle player to ever put rosin to a bow.” He began his musical journey at a young age, leaving home at eight to perform in vaudeville shows in New York. Alongside his brother, he also toured with an evangelist, using music to engage audiences.

Rouse's "Orange Blossom Special" was inspired by the passenger train of the same name, which operated from New York to Miami. The song's lively fiddle and harmonica interplay captured the essence of the train's sound and speed. Initially recorded by Chubby Wise, it gained further popularity through Bill Monroe in 1942 and Johnny Cash in 1965. Rouse's other works, including “(I’ve got those) Craven County Blues,” did not achieve the same level of acclaim.

In 1941, Rouse married Hattie Whitehurst, with whom he had three children. The couple separated in 1954, with Hattie returning to North Carolina. Despite personal struggles with alcoholism and mental illness in his later years, Rouse's legacy endured through his music. He continued to perform in his home state, often returning for shows in the 1950s and 1960s. His most famous composition, "Orange Blossom Special," remains a staple in bluegrass music, featured in films and television, and was named one of the 100 “Songs of the South” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2005.