The Best of Savannah Folk Music

A blog dedicated to the best of Savannah Folk Music. Find the latest news, reviews, and interviews with the top artists in the genre.

What is Savannah Folk Music?

Savannah Folk Music is a type of music that emerged from the city of Savannah, Georgia in the early 20th century. The music is characterized by its use of African-American musical traditions, including blues and gospel, as well as its incorporation of elements from European and Caribbean folk music. Savannah Folk Music has had a significant influence on the development of other genres of music, including country, rock, and jazz.

The Origins of Savannah Folk Music

Savannah is known for its rich history, and its music is no exception. Folk music has been a part of the city for centuries, and it continues to play a significant role in the city’s culture today.

The roots of Savannah’s folk music can be traced back to the city’s earliest days. When the first settlers arrived in Savannah in the mid-1700s, they brought with them a variety of musical traditions from their homeland. These traditions blended together to form the basis of what would eventually become known as Savannah folk music.

As Savannah grew and developed, so did its folk music scene. The city became home to a number of important folk musicians, including Blind Willie McTell, Little Hat Jones, and Fiddlin’ John Carson. These artists helped to popularize folk music in Savannah and beyond, and their legacy can still be heard in the city’s music today.

If you’re interested in learning more about Savannah’s folk music history, there are a number of great resources available. The Georgia State Archives is a good place to start, as they have a wealth of information on the subject. You can also check out the website of the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC Chapel Hill, which has an extensive online database of folk music recordings from all over the Southeast.

The Instruments of Savannah Folk Music

Instruments commonly used in Savannah Folk music include the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and harmonica. The banjo is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a round body. It is usually made of wood, with metal strings that are plucked or strummed with the fingers. The fiddle is a small, bowed string instrument that is held under the chin and played with the left hand while the right hand presses down on the strings. The guitar is a stringed instrument that is plucked or strummed with the right hand while the left hand frets (presses down) the strings. The harmonica is a small, rectangular instrument with metal reeds that are plucked with the right hand while the left hand covers and uncovers the holes.

The Styles of Savannah Folk Music

Savannah’s folk music has been shaped by a number of different influences over the years. The city has a long history of both African and European American music, and these two traditions have interacted in various ways to produce the unique sound of Savannah folk music.

The African American influence on Savannah folk music is perhaps most evident in the city’s gospel tradition. Gospel music was first brought to Savannah by enslaved Africans who brought elements of their own spiritual traditions with them. These spirituals were “work songs” that were used to help slaves coordinate their labor, and they often contained coded messages about escaping from slavery. Over time, gospel music began to be used in church services, and it eventually developed into a distinct genre with its own style and forms.

European American influence is also evident in Savannah’s folk music tradition. Many of the songs that are now considered traditionalfolk songs were actually created by European American songwriters. For example, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was written by Wallis Willis, a freed slave, while “Down in the Valley” was written by John McClellan, a white man from Virginia. Nevertheless, these songs have become an integral part of Savannah’s folk music tradition.

The Best of Savannah Folk Music

Savannah is a city with a rich musical heritage. Folk music has been a part of the city’s culture for many years. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Savannah’s folk music scene. This article will explore the best of Savannah’s folk music.

The Dixie Jubilee Singers

Formed in 1902, The Dixie Jubilee Singers were one of the first professional black vocal groups in the United States. They began touring the country, performing a mix of Negro spirituals and popular songs, and became one of the most popular musical acts of their time. In the 1920s, they made a number of recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company, and their records were extremely popular. The group continued to perform and record into the 1930s, but by that time their popularity had begun to decline. They disbanded in 1934.

The Skillet Lickers

The Skillet Lickers were a string band from Georgia, United States, active in the 1920s and early 1930s. The group originated in Bremen, Georgia and its members were from rural farming communities in northwest Georgia. The group was originally made up of fiddlers Leonard “Ace” Cooper and Gid Tanner, and guitarists Mose Tolliver and Claud Griffin. They gained popularity for their lively performances and comedic routines as well as for their improvisation and virtuosity.

The group’s signature song was “Down Yonder”, which was based on a traditional folk tune. The song became a hit when it was recorded by the group in 1926. The Skillet Lickers continued to record and perform together until 1931, when they disbanded due to the effects of the Great Depression.

Although the Skillet Lickers are no longer active, their recordings remain popular among fans of old-time music and are considered to be some of the best examples of early country music.

The Georgia Sea Island Singers

The Georgia Sea Island Singers is a folk music group from the coast of Georgia, USA. The group was founded in 1926 by Willis James, a boat captain and fisherman. Since then, the group has become one of the most popular and respected folk music groups in the world.

The Georgia Sea Island Singers is known for its beautiful harmonies and soulful songs. The group’s repertoire includes traditional folk songs from the American South, as well as original compositions. The Georgia Sea Island Singers has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album.

If you’re looking for some great Savannah folk music, be sure to check out the Georgia Sea Island Singers!