Discover West Virginia Folk Music

West Virginia is home to a rich tradition of folk music. From the early days of Appalachian ballads to the more recent sounds of bluegrass and old-time music, there is a wealth of musical traditions to be discovered in the Mountain State. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most iconic West Virginia folk music, both past and present. So come on in and take a listen!

West Virginia Folk Music Defined

West Virginia folk music is a diverse and rich tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a type of music that is unique to the state of West Virginia and has been influenced by the cultures of the people who have settled in the state. The music is often made up of simple melodies and lyrics that tell stories about the people and the land.

Defining folk music

Folk music is defined as music by and for the common people. It is passed down orally, through listening and imitation. The term “folk music” encompasses both traditional music and the genre that evolved from it. Traditional folk music has been passed down through generations, usually within a region or community. The genre of folk music evolved from traditional folk music and was created by professional songwriters and performers who took existing folk songs and reworked them for a wider, commercial audience.

The folk music of West Virginia

The folk music of West Virginia is a diverse mix of styles that has been shaped by the state’s history and the people who live there. West Virginia has a strong Appalachian influence, as well as influences from other parts of the United States and around the world.

The state’s mountain people have their own unique style of music, which is often called “old-time” or “mountain music.” This music is usually played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, fiddles, and dulcimers. It often features simple melodies and harmonies, and its rhythms can be quite complex.

West Virginia also has a rich tradition of blues and jazz music. This can be heard in the work of many of the state’s famous musicians, such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. West Virginia also has a long history of country music, which is reflected in the work of country stars like Brad Paisley and Kathy Mattea.

Whatever your taste in music, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in West Virginia’s unique folk tradition!

The Origins of West Virginia Folk Music

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. The state is known for its rich history and culture, which includes a wide variety of folk music. West Virginia folk music has been influenced by a number of different cultures and traditions over the years.

The British and Irish influence

West Virginia folk music is a product of the mountain people who settled in the state during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These settlers were primarily of British and Irish stock, and they brought with them the ballads, dances, and music of their homeland. Many of these folk songs have survived to the present day and are still sung by West Virginia residents.

The most famous of all West Virginia folk songs is undoubtedly “The Ballad of John Hardy.” This song tells the story of a real-life murderer who was hanged in 1894. “John Hardy” was popularized by renowned Appalachian singer/songwriter Hazel Dickens and has been recorded by numerous other artists, including Bob Dylan and Emmylou Harris.

Other popular West Virginia folk songs include “Pretty Saro,” “Barbara Allen,” and “Shady Grove.” These songs, like “John Hardy,” were brought to the region by British and Irish settlers and have been passed down through the generations. West Virginia folk musicians often put their own spin on these traditional tunes, giving them a unique Appalachian flavor.

The African American influence

West Virginia folk music has been shaped by the state’s history and its diverse population. African Americans have been a significant presence in the state since the early 1800s, when they were brought here as slaves to work in the coal mines. Blacks and whites lived and worked side by side in the mines, and they shared a common culture that was based on their shared experience of hard work and poverty. This common culture gave rise to a distinctive form of folk music known as Appalachian blues.

Appalachian blues is a unique blend of African American blues and white Appalachian folk music. It is characterized by its down-to-earth lyrics, simple melodies, and subdued emotions. The African American influence can be heard in the use of blue notes and call-and-response vocals, while the Appalachian influence is evident in the use of banjo and fiddle. Appalachian blues was most popular in the early 1900s, but it continues to be performed by West Virginia musicians today.

The Appalachian influence

The Appalachian Mountains extend from Newfoundland to Alabama and form a natural barrier between the eastern seaboard of the United States and the Midwest. This region was home to some of the earliest settlers in North America, and the music they brought with them has been greatly influenced by the British and Irish ballads they brought with them. The rugged terrain made travel and communication between settlements difficult, so each community developed its own musical traditions.

The Appalachian Mountains are also home to many different cultures, including Native American, African American, Scottish, Irish, and Italian. These cultures have all contributed to the development of West Virginia folk music. The most important influence on West Virginia folk music, however, is the Appalachian Mountain itself. The region’s isolation has helped to preserve many of the musical traditions that might otherwise have been lost.

The Characteristics of West Virginia Folk Music

West Virginia folk music is a genre of music that is largely influenced by the Scots-Irish and English settlers who arrived in the Appalachian Mountains in the 18th century. This type of music is characterized by its use of Appalachian folk instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. It is also known for its lyrical content, which often deals with topics such as love, loss, and the beauty of nature.

The use of instruments

Instruments used in West Virginia folk music include the fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and dulcimer. The fiddle is the most widely used instrument, followed by the banjo. Guitars and mandolins are also popular. The dulcimer is less common but still used occasionally.

The fiddle is often accompanied by the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. The guitar is usually played with a pick, while the mandolin is plucked with the fingers. The banjo can be played with either a pick or fingers. The dulcimer is plucked with the fingers.

String bands are common in West Virginia folk music. These bands typically consist of a fiddler, banjo player, guitar player, and sometimes a bass player. The fiddle provides the melody, while the other instruments provide accompaniment.

West Virginia folk music often has a danceable rhythms. This is due in part to the use of instruments such as the fiddle and banjo which are well suited for dancing. The rhythms are also often syncopated, which means that they emphasize beats that are not normally stressed in music (such as the off-beats). This gives West Virginia folk music a distinctive sound that isDifferent from other types of music from other parts of the country.

The use of voice

One of the most distinctive characteristics of West Virginia folk music is the use of the voice. Folk music is usually associated with the guitar, but in West Virginia, the voice is just as important as any other instrument.

Folk singers in West Virginia often use a technique called yodeling, which is a way of singing that involves rapidly changing the pitch of the voice. Yodeling was originally developed as a way for shepherds to communicate with each other over long distances, but it has since become an important part of folk music in West Virginia.

Another characteristic of West Virginia folk music is the use of harmony. Folk songs often have multiple parts that are sung at the same time, creating a rich and complex sound. This type of harmony is known as “close harmony” because the parts are sung very close to each other.

West Virginia folk music often tells stories about the people and places of the state. These stories are usually passed down from generation to generation, and they offer a unique insight into the history and culture of West Virginia.

The use of lyrics

In West Virginia folk music, the use of lyrics is very important. The lyrics are often based on the stories of the people who live in the state. These stories are usually about their everyday lives, their work, and their families. Many of the songs are also about love and loss. The lyrics of these songs often reflect the hard work that the people of West Virginia have to do to make a living.

The Popularity of West Virginia Folk Music

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. The state is known for its Appalachian culture and music. West Virginia folk music is a genre of music that is influenced by the state’s Appalachian culture. The music is often passed down from generation to generation.

The early years

West Virginia has a long and storied musical history. Its folk music tradition dates back to the early days of the state, when settlers from all over the world came to find a new life in the mountains. West Virginia’s music is a mix of many different cultures, including English, Scottish, Irish, German, and African American.

One of the most popular West Virginia folk songs is “The Wagoner’s Lad,” which was written by a 19th-century West Virginia mountain man named Richard Brooks. The song tells the story of a young man who goes off to war and is killed in action. His body is brought back to his home in the mountains, and his sweetheart sings this sorrowful song at his grave.

Other popular West Virginia folk songs include “Down in the Willow Garden,” “I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground,” and “Shady Grove.” These songs are often played on banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, and they often have simple melodies that are easy to sing along with.

If you’re interested in learning more about West Virginia’s folk music tradition, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also attend one of the many folk festivals that are held throughout the state each year.

The present day

Though West Virginia has undergone numerous changes since the golden era of folk music in the early to mid-20th century, the state’s musical traditions remain strong. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in West Virginia folk music, both from within the state and from outside observers. This renewed interest has led to more frequent performances of traditional folk music, as well as the creation of new works in the same vein.

West Virginia folk music has been shaped by the state’s diverse cultures and history. Early settlers brought with them a variety of musical traditions from their homelands, including English ballads, Scottish reels, and Irish jigs. African Americans also played a significant role in the development of West Virginia folk music, bringing with them elements of blues and gospel. The state’s coal mining heritage has also left its mark on West Virginia folk music, with many songs reflecting the struggles and triumphs of miners throughout the years.

Today, West Virginia folk music is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The music is often performed at festivals, concerts, and other events celebrating the state’s rich heritage. Additionally, many schools in West Virginia offer classes on traditional folk music, helping to ensure that these important cultural traditions are passed down to future generations.