Appalachian Mountain Folk Music: More Than Just a Genre

Appalachian mountain folk music is more than just a genre – it’s a way of life. From the earliest settlers to the present day, this music has been a part of the Appalachian culture. Come learn more about this unique and interesting music!

Appalachian Mountain Folk Music Defined

Appalachian mountain folk music is a genre of music that is native to the Appalachian Mountains. This genre of music is characterized by its use of instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Appalachian mountain folk music is also known for its unique vocal style. This genre of music has its roots in the British and Irish folk music traditions.

The Instruments

Appalachian mountain folk music is a genre of its own that is composed of variousstring instruments. These instruments include the fiddle, banjo, upright bass, Dobro, and guitar. The music is often characterized by its high energy and includes a variety of genres such as bluegrass, old-timey, country, and blues.

Appalachian mountain folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Singers

Appalachian mountain folk music is a genre of music that is steeped in tradition and history. The music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, its focus on storytelling, and its focus on the environment and nature. Appalachian mountain folk music has its roots in the British Isles and Scotland, and it is believed to have been brought to the United States by Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains.

The Songs

The songs of the Appalachian Mountains are as varied as the people who sing them. In general, the music is played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, fiddles, and drums. The lyrics often tell stories of everyday life, love, and loss.

Many of the songs are about working in the mines or in the fields, and about struggling to make ends meet. There are also songs about drinking and gambling, which were popular pastimes in the Appalachian Mountains. Some of the most popular Appalachian mountain folk songs include “John Henry”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “Keep on the Sunny Side”, and “Wildwood Flower”.

Appalachian mountain folk music is also known for its use of “call-and-response” vocals. This means that one person sings a line of the song, and then the rest of the people sing back a response. This type of singing was often used in work songs, as it helped to keep people motivated while they were working.

Appalachian mountain folk music is a genre that is truly unique to its region. The music is steeped in the history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains, and it is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Origins of Appalachian Mountain Folk Music

The Appalachian Mountains are a range of mountains in the eastern United States that extend from the Southern Tier of New York state in the north to central Alabama in the south. The Appalachians include parts of the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

African American Influence

The African American influence on Appalachian music is often cited as the most important factor in its development. The banjo, for example, was brought to the Appalachian Mountains by African slaves who had been forcibly brought to the United States. They adapted the instrument to their own purposes, creating a new style of playing that would come to be known as “clawhammer.” This style of banjo playing would go on to have a profound impact on the development of Appalachian music.

In addition, many of the earliest Appalachian fiddle tunes were based on African American melodies. These tunes were often developed and passed down within African American communities before being adopted by white musicians. The result was a uniquely hybrid form of music that blended African and European influences.

Today, the impact of African American music can still be heard in the sounds of modern Appalachian music. Whether it’s the banjo-driven sounds of bluegrass or the soulful vocals of mountain gospel, the influence of African American music is evident in much of today’s Appalachian music.

European Influence

Appalachian mountain folk music is a genre that has been shaped by the region’s history and its people. The music has its roots in the songs and ballads of Europe, brought over by British and Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries. These songs were adapted to fit the lives of the settlers, who often faced hard work and harsh conditions in their new home. Over time, the music developed into its own distinctive sound, incorporating influences from African American and Native American cultures. Today, Appalachian mountain folk music is enjoyed by listeners all over the world.

Native American Influence

The music of the Appalachian Mountains has been shaped by the many cultures that have made the region their home. Perhaps the most significant of these is the Native American music that was brought over by the first settlers. Unlike other forms of folk music, Appalachian mountain music has always had a strong Native American influence. This can be seen in the use of instruments such as the banjo and fiddle, which are both of Native American origin. It can also be heard in the unique vocal style of many Appalachian mountain singers, which is heavily influenced by Native American music.

The Lyrics

Appalachian mountain folk music is not only a genre, it is a way of life. The music is about the people who live in the mountains and the struggles they face. The lyrics are often about love, loss, and heartache.

Themes

Many people associate Appalachia with poverty, unemployment, and coal mining. But the Appalachian Mountains are also home to a unique form of music known as “mountain music” or “Appalachian folk music.” This type of music has been passed down for generations through oral tradition and has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and African American.

The lyrics of mountain songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and death. The songs are typically set in the Appalachian Mountains and feature characters who are struggling to make ends meet. Many of the songs are written in a minor key and have a slow, mournful sound.

Although mountain songs are often associated with sadness, they can also be cheerful and upbeat. Some of the most popular mountain songs include “I’ll Fly Away,” “Keep on the Sunny Side,” and “Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad.”

If you want to learn more about Appalachian folk music, there are a few great resources available online. The website for the Library of Congress offers a comprehensive history of the genre, as well as a collection of digitized recordings. The Mountain Music Museum is another great resource for information about mountain music and its history.

Language

One of the most distinguishing features of Appalachian folk music is its lyrics. The lyrics are often about real-life problems and heartache, which is relatable to many people. The lyrics often include references to the Bible and Christianity, as well as nature. Many of the songs are about love, both lost and found. The Appalachian Mountains are a beautiful, but dangerous place, and this is reflected in the lyrics of the folk songs.

The Legacy of Appalachian Mountain Folk Music

Appalachian mountain folk music is a uniquely American genre that has its roots in the British Isles. This type of music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, its focus on storytelling, and its Appalachian mountain setting. The music has been passed down from generation to generation, and it continues to be an important part of the region’s culture.

The Music Today

While the music of the Appalachian Mountains is often thought of as a thing of the past, it is very much alive and thriving today. Thanks to the efforts of folklorists, musicologists, and others who have worked to preserve and promote the music, it has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years.

There are now several festivals devoted to mountain music, and many contemporary musicians are keeping the tradition alive. The music has also been featured in commercials, television shows, and movies. While it may not be as widespread as it once was, Appalachian mountain music is still an important part of the region’s culture.