Music of the Southern Appalachian Mountains

A Very Selective List of Books and Recordings

Books

Note: minumum appropriate age level noted in each entry

Introducing American Folk Music - Kip Lornell - WCB Brown and Benchmark, 1993. Age 12.

A Singer and Her Songs: Almeda Riddle's Book of Ballads - edited by Roger D. Abrahams, Louisiana State University Press, 1970. Songs and interviews with an exceptional early 20th century traditional singer. Age 12.

Tennessee Strings: The Story of Country Music in Tennessee - Charles K. Wolfe - University of Tennessee Press, 1977. Traces rural Tennessee music from its roots in home and community to its early development into a commercial American popular music. Age 12.

The Life and Legend Of Leadbelly - Charles Wolfe and Kip Lornell, Harper Collins, 1992. A balanced and detailed account of the life and times of this extraordinary African American songster, the composer of "Irene, Goodnight" and many other songs. Age 12.

American Folk Songs for Children - Ruth Crawford Seeger, Doubleday, 1948. This pioneer collection for children includes many ideas for music educators and parents alike, with lively, creative piano arrangements. For parents and their children, educators, and pianists.

Folklife and Fieldwork, A Layman's Introduction to Field Techniques - Peter Bartis, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540, 1979. This excellent booklet is an aid to the field collector at any level and is available free at the above address.

Sound Recordings

The Lomax Collection - A projected 100-CD series by Rounder Records devoted to the collecting and editing work of folklorist Alan Lomax. Includes a Sampler (Rounder #1700) and approximately 20 recordings devoted to traditional southern music. The first twenty are presently available (1998).

Close to Home - Smithsonian Folkways CD 40097. 1950s and 60s field recordings from Mike Seeger's collection. Traditional singers and musicians of the rural southeastern United States. A Treasury of Library of Congress Field Recordings - selected and annotated by Stephen Wade, Rounder 1500. Some of the best grass roots music of late 19th century and early 20th century America, recorded in the 1930s and 40s.

Selected Recordings by Mike Seeger

Mike Seeger, Solo -Oldtime Country Music- Rounder 0278. A broad ranging selection of southern traditional songs and tunes sung and played on 10 instruments. 1991 Grammy Nominee.

Third Annual Farewell Reunion - Rounder 0313. 23 acoustic selections each played with a different guest such as Ralph Stanley, Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Tim O'Brien, Bob Dylan, Michael Doucet, Hazel Dickens and others. 1994 Grammy nominee.

There Ain't No Way Out - New Lost City Ramblers, Smithsonian Folkways 40098. 26 solo and string band selections by this vanguard group. 1997 Grammy nominee.

Family Music

American Folk Songs For Children - Rounder Records 8001 - Mike and Peggy Seeger sing all 94 songs from their mother's book (see above). With a variety of acoustic instruments. Especially for young children and their parents.

Animal Folk Songs for Children and Other People - Rounder 8023. All 43 songs from Ruth Crawford Seeger's Animal Folk Songs For Children plus an extra 15, sung and played with a variety of acoustic instruments by her children and grand children. For all ages.

Films and Videos

That High Lonesome Sound - three films by John Cohen: High Lonesome Sound, End of An Old Song and Sara and Maybelle (Carter). These three black and white documentaries were made of traditional musicians from Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky in the 1960s. Shanachie 1404.

A Well Spent Life - A film by Les Blank, 1971. A home visit with African American Texas songster, Mance Lipscomb. In color.

Talking Feet, Solo Southern Dance: Buck, Flatfoot and Tap - A videotape by Mike Seeger, with Ruth Pershing, 1992. A documentary visit with 24 traditional dancers from Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. With accompanying book.

Note: Most of the above recordings and books may be purchased through Elderly Instruments, 1100 N. Washington, Lansing, MI 48906. Ph: 517-372-7890. Or on the web: http://www.elderly.com