History of American Folk Music, American Folk Music Festivals, and history of the Folklife Center
American Folk Music
American Folk music, sometimes known as “roots” music is the product of many immigrant communities from all across the globe who immigrated to the United States during the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Over time and across generations, these immigrant communities developed their own music styles including bluegrass, old time, gospel, the blues, and Appalachian music. These forms of American folk music form the foundation of modern musical genres including rock-n-roll, country, rhythm & blues, and jazz. That’s why it’s called “roots” music.
Appalachian Music Culture
During the eighteenth century, many immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Greece, and all across continental Europe poured into the Appalachian mountains. They brought their own musical traditions, but they were also influence by the music of African Americans. The invention of modern technology allowed Appalachian music to be recorded for the first time in the 1920s. Some instruments often used in Appalachian music include the banjo, fiddle, fretted dulcimer, guitar and mandolin.
Coal Mining and Protest Music
Appalachian life was fundamentally changed by Coal Mining in the late nineteenth century. This industry has done more damage to the lives of more Appalachians than can be expressed here. Appalachian musicians applied their folk music to mining disasters, low wages, inexcusable working conditions, unionization, strikes, and environmental concerns. This tradition continues to influence music in the region today.
Appalachian Folk Music Festivals
All across the Appalachian mountains, numerous music festivals are held each year. These festivals both preserve the traditional music, and encourage experimentation with new music styles. These festivals have carried on every year for more than a hundred years now. Some festivals are very large; while others maintain a familiar atmosphere of good friends and neighbors.
Appalachian South Folklife Center
In 1965 Don West, a poet and activist from the Appalachian mountains, founded the Appalachian South Folklife Center. One of the many aspects of Appalachian life preserved and dignified here is the Appalachian Music Festival. In 1968 the Appalachian South Folklife Center hosted its first music festival. The Folklife center maintains that tradition still.