Appalachian Folk

Appalachian folk music, also known as Appalachian mountain music, was developed within the Appalachian region of the United States. This genre of music possesses a rich cultural and historical background stretching back several decades. The term ‘Appalachian’ is used to describe a region that stretches from southeastern Canada to northern Alabama and Georgia. It covers a vast expanse of land, including the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The origins of Appalachian folk music can be traced back to the region’s early settlers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The settlers, mostly of Scottish, Irish, English, and German origin, brought with them their musical traditions and instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. These instruments became a staple of Appalachian music, and their popularity continued to grow over the years. During the 19th century, many African Americans migrated to the Appalachian region, bringing with them their musical styles. The incorporation of African rhythms and melodies into Appalachian music resulted in the birth of ‘old-time mountain music’’. This genre of music flourished and became an integral part of life in the region. In the years leading up to the Civil War, many Appalachian residents migrated to the northern states, taking their music with them. The popularity of Appalachian music increased in the 1930s, thanks to several musicians and organizations. A group known as the Carter Family, consisting of A.P. Carter, his wife Sarah Carter, and his sister-in-law Maybelle Carter, were instrumental in popularizing Appalachian music. The Carter Family became famous for their engaging lyrics, haunting melodies, and virtuosic instrumentals. Some of their most popular songs include ‘Can The Circle Be Unbroken’ and ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken.’ Many other musicians, such as Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Bill Monroe, continued to help popularize and develop Appalachian music. In the years leading up to the 1960s, Appalachian folk music became known as ‘folk music,’ and the term ‘Appalachian’ slowly dissipated. This transformation was mostly due to the folk revival movement that began in the 1960s. This movement was heavily geared towards protest songs that advocated for civil rights and social justice issues; however, Appalachian music continued to enjoy popularity thanks to artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, who performed and recorded several Appalachian folk songs. Today, Appalachian folk music is still very much alive and loved by many Americans. The genre continues to be influenced by several musical styles and is characterized by its poetic lyrics, quick tempos, and rapid fingerpicking. Several festivals, such as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Appalachian String Band Festival, are held yearly to celebrate and promote old-time music in Appalachia.

Doc Watson – A highly regarded picker and singer, Doc Watson was a major figure in the Appalachian folk scene. He recorded over 50 albums in his career, showcasing his talent on the acoustic guitar and banjo. Known for his sheer technical prowess and emotive performances, Watson’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Jean Ritchie – Hailing from Kentucky, Jean Ritchie was a prominent voice in preserving the traditional music of Appalachia. Her hauntingly beautiful voice and contemplative ballads captured the spirit of the region, and her performances and recordings earned her numerous accolades and awards. The Carter Family – Considered an early pioneer of country music, The Carter Family defined the sound of early Appalachian folk music. With their tight three-part harmonies and catchy melodies, their songs like “Wildwood Flower” and “Keep on the Sunny Side” still resonate with audiences today. Hazel Dickens – A fierce advocate for workers’ rights and social justice, Hazel Dickens’ music was a voice for the often-overlooked rural poor. Her raw, authentic sound tackled tough subjects like poverty, coal mining, and war, earning her widespread admiration and respect throughout the country. Ralph Stanley – Another notable figure in the bluegrass and Appalachian folk scene, Ralph Stanley helped shape the modern sound of the genre. His tenor voice and distinctive banjo playing style helped define the sound of bluegrass music, and his influence is still felt today. Ola Belle Reed – A trailblazer in the male-dominated world of bluegrass music, Ola Belle Reed paved the way for future generations of women in the genre. Her soulful vocals and intricate banjo playing helped expand the possibilities of what Appalachian folk music could be. John Hartford – Known for his quirky personality and unconventional approach to music, John Hartford was a true original. His unique blend of traditional Appalachian folk music, jazz, and country gave his music a fresh, distinctive sound that still resonates with audiences today. The Stanley Brothers – A dynamic duo that helped define the sound of bluegrass music, The Stanley Brothers’ music was heavily influenced by their Appalachian roots. Their soaring harmonies and rapid-fire banjo picking helped make them a household name and a major force in the genre. Roscoe Holcomb – Known for his unpolished, raw sound and unique approach to the banjo, Roscoe Holcomb was one of the most distinctive voices in Appalachian folk music. His music captured the essence of the region, with songs that were both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving. The New Lost City Ramblers – A group of dedicated musicians that helped popularize traditional Appalachian folk music in the 1950s and 60s, The New Lost City Ramblers were a major force in the folk revival movement. Their authentic sound and reverence for the music of the past helped inspire countless musicians in the years to come.

1. "Man of Constant Sorrow" - Various Artists 2. "John Henry" - Various Artists 3. "Tennessee Waltz" - Patti Page 4. "Down in the Valley" - Various Artists 5. "Wildwood Flower" - The Carter Family 6. "Cumberland Gap" - Various Artists 7. "Wayfaring Stranger" - Various Artists 8. "Tom Dooley" - The Kingston Trio 9. "Shady Grove" - Various Artists 10. "Barbara Allen" - Various Artists 11. "Rock Island Line" - Lead Belly 12. "The Cuckoo" - Dock Boggs 13. "Black Mountain Rag" - Doc Watson 14. "Little Sadie" - Clarence Ashley 15. "Bury Me Beneath the Willow" - Various Artists 16. "Banks of the Ohio" - Joan Baez 17. "Old Joe Clark" - Various Artists 18. "Sally Ann" - Eck Robertson 19. "The Roving Gambler" - The Stanley Brothers 20. "East Virginia Blues" - Various Artists 21. "The Devil's Nine Questions" - Ralph Stanley 22. "Coal Miner's Daughter" - Loretta Lynn 23. "The Battle of New Orleans" - Johnny Horton 24. "Knoxville Girl" - The Louvin Brothers 25. "Pretty Polly" - Ralph Stanley

A notable writer who has discussed Appalachian folk culture is Jesse Stuart. In his books, including "Taps for Private Tussie," "The Thread That Runs So True," and "The Beatinest Boy," Stuart draws from his own experiences growing up in the region. His writing showcases an intimate understanding of the people, their customs, and their struggles, making him a crucial voice in the preservation of Appalachian folklore. He writes the following inspring quote, "I come from people who never quit." Author Ron Rash hasalso written extensively about the Appalachian area, setting many of his works in the region. This includes "Burning Bright," "Serena," and "The World Made Straight." He is known for his moving portrayal of the people and landscapes that make up this area. In an interview with The Guardian, Rash explained his connection to the Appalachians, saying, "There's this tremendous beauty here, but there's also a harshness. It's not an easy place to live, but it's a place that really shapes you." One of the most poignant discussions about Appalachia is delivered in the work of George Ellison. In his book, "Literary Trails of the North Carolina Mountains," Ellison describes an encounter he had with a man who had left the region and returned. The man confides to Ellison, "Once you've been here and gone...you realize that being an Appalachian is a lifelong sentence." This speaks to the profound impact of the region on its inhabitants and how it shapes their identity even after they leave.

The cultural context of Appalachian Folk music is marked by the rich and diverse traditions of the Appalachian region. This area spans across 13 states in the United States and is home to a variety of cultural practices, including music, food, literature, and art. The people of Appalachia have a long-standing tradition of oral storytelling, with songs and ballads passed down from one generation to the next. This deep-seated love for storytelling and the human experience is evident in the lyrics of Appalachian Folk music, which often tell stories of love, loss, and struggle. The political and social context of Appalachian Folk music is linked to the region's history of poverty and marginalization. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Appalachian region was marked by economic hardship, with many people living in extreme poverty. The mining industry played a prominent role in the area's economy, and many Appalachian Folk songs address the dangerous and dehumanizing conditions of mining work. These songs provided a means for people to voice their dissatisfaction with their working conditions and express solidarity with their fellow workers. The technological context of Appalachian Folk music is also important to consider. The advent of recording technology in the early 20th century transformed the way music was distributed and consumed. Record labels played a critical role in bringing Appalachian Folk music to a wider audience, with labels such as Columbia Records and Victor Records producing records of Appalachian Folk artists such as the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. The popularity of radio also played a significant role in the rise of Appalachian Folk music, with radio stations broadcasting traditional music from the region to listeners across the country. Journalists and other figures played a key role in shaping the public's perception of Appalachian Folk music. In the 1930s, a group of folklorists traveled to the Appalachian region to collect songs and stories from local people. This group, known as the Lomax family, produced a collection of field recordings that captured the essence of Appalachian Folk music. These recordings helped to popularize the genre and cemented its place in American music history.