Appalachian Folk Music on YouTube

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Appalachian folk music is a genre of music that is steeped in history and tradition. While it may not be as popular as other genres today, there is a wealth of Appalachian folk music to be found on YouTube. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best Appalachian folk music videos on YouTube, and what makes them so special.

Defining Appalachian Folk Music

Appalachian folk music is a genre of music that is native to the Appalachian region of the United States. It is a form of Americana that is influenced by the music of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The music is often played on acoustic instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Appalachian folk music is a unique and important part of American culture.

Origins

Appalachian folk music is a musical tradition that developed in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. It is derived from the English, Scottish, and Irish ballad traditions, as well as African-American and Native American music. instrumentation typically includes acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.

Appalachian folk music has been popularized by several musicians, including The Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Kate Campbell, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris. The genre has also been featured in a number of film and television soundtracks, such as O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000) and Cold Mountain (2003).

Characteristics

While folk music is often thought of as older, traditional songs passed down through generations, Appalachian folk music has some unique characteristics which set it apart. First, Appalachian folk music is typically based on ballads which tell stories. These stories can be love stories, murder mysteries, or tales of adventure and heroism. Second, the music often features simple melodies which are easy to remember and sing along to. Third, the lyrics of Appalachian folk music often focus on everyday people and their lives, as opposed to historical or mythical characters. Finally, Appalachian folk music is often accompanied by simple instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles.

The Relationship Between Folk Music and YouTube

There are many popular Appalachian folk songs that have millions of views on YouTube. These songs are often passed down from generation to generation, and YouTube has become a popular platform for people to share their versions of these songs. Folk music is often seen as a symbol of the Appalachian culture, and YouTube has helped to preserve and share this culture with the world.

The Popularity of Folk Music on YouTube

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to platforms like YouTube. Appalachian folk music, in particular, has found a home on YouTube, with numerous channels dedicated to sharing performances and stories from the region.

Why is Appalachian folk music so popular on YouTube? There are a few reasons. First, the genre is incredibly diverse, with songs that tell stories of love and loss, triumph and struggle. This resonates with viewers who are looking for relatable content.

Second, Appalachian folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, making it feel like a more personal form of expression. This connection to the past is something that many viewers find appealing.

Finally, the region itself is incredibly beautiful, and videos set in the Appalachian Mountains often show off this natural beauty. Viewers can feel like they are transported to another world when watching these videos.

With all of these factors working in its favor, it’s no wonder that Appalachian folk music has found a home on YouTube. The platform has allowed the genre to reach a wider audience than ever before, ensuring that its traditions will be passed down for generations to come.

The Impact of YouTube on Folk Music

Folk music is often passed down orally from one generation to the next, and it has been thought that YouTube might have a negative impact on this tradition. However, a study of Appalachian folk music on YouTube found that, while the site has had some impact on the way folk music is distributed, it has also helped to keep the tradition alive.

The study found that YouTube has had a significant impact on the way people consume folk music. For example, people are no longer as likely to listen to an entire album of folk music, but are more likely to listen to individual songs. In addition, people are more likely to watch videos of live performances than they are to listen to recorded music.

However, the study also found that YouTube has had a positive impact on the distribution of folk music. For example, it is now easier for people to find recordings of traditional songs, and it is also easier for musicians to share their own interpretations of those songs. In addition, YouTube has helped to create a community of folk musicians from around the world who can share ideas and collaborate with each other.

Overall, the study found that YouTube has had both positive and negative impacts on Appalachian folk music. While the site has changed the way people consume folk music, it has also helped to keep the tradition alive by making it easier for people to find and share recordings of traditional songs.

Appalachian Folk Music on YouTube

YouTube can be a great place to find new and interesting music from all over the world. Appalachian folk music is a genre that is not as well-known as other types of music, but it is definitely worth checking out. This type of music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it has a unique sound that is unlike anything else. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, be sure to give Appalachian folk music a try.

The most popular Appalachian Folk Music videos on YouTube include renditions of traditional songs as well as modern covers. Some of the most popular Appalachia Folk songs that are regularly covered include “Pretty Saro,” “Black Waters,” and “Cripple Creek.”

Appalachian Folk music has been influences by a number of different music genres over the years, including Celtic, English, Scottish, and Irish music. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for this style of music, and many modern musicians are incorporating Folk music into their own unique sound.

The most influential Appalachian Folk Music channels on YouTube

There are many different channels on YouTube that post Appalachian Folk Music videos, but these five are the most influential according to their number of subscribers.

The first channel is “Appalachian State University Library.” They have over 8600 subscribers and post videos of old folk songs and ballads, many of which are field recordings from the early 1900s.

The second channel is “Johnacousticguitar.” They have just under 5800 subscribers and post videos of modern renditions of Appalachian Folk songs.

The third channel is “gbrowell3,” which has over 4500 subscribers. They post a mix of both traditional and modern Appalachian Folk songs.

The fourth channel is “DrDuck64.” They have over 3200 subscribers and mainly post traditional Appalachian Folk songs.

Finally, the fifth most influential Appalachian Folk Music channel on YouTube is “Folkstreams1,” which has just over 2700 subscribers. This channel posts a mix of traditional and modern Appalachian Folk songs as well.

How Appalachian Folk Music has changed since being put on YouTube

Appalachian folk music has changed significantly since it was first put on YouTube. Because the Appalachian region is so large and encompasses many different subcultures, there is no one “type” of Appalachian folk music. Instead, there is a wide variety of music that falls under the Appalachian folk music umbrella.

One of the biggest changes that Appalachian folk music has undergone since being put on YouTube is that it has become more accessible to people outside of the Appalachians. YouTube has made it possible for people from all over the world to discover and enjoy this genre of music.

In addition, Appalachian folk music has also become more commercialized since being put on YouTube. There are now many professional musicians who perform this type of music, and who sell their CDs and DVDs online. This commercialization has helped to make Appalachian folk music more popular and mainstream.

Similar Posts