Appalachian folk music - Definition and Overview

Appalachian folk music is a distinctive genre of folk music originating in the Appalachia region of the United States of America. It is believed to have developed from traditional Scottish and Irish music brought to the USA by immigrants from those countries, and in turn it deeply influenced country music. Earliest recordings date from 1922.

A Scottish fiddler named Neil Gow is usually credited with developing (during the 1740s) the short bow sawstroke technique that defined Appalachian fiddling. This technique was altered during the next century, with European waltzes and polkas being most influential

Samples

• Download recording - “The Old Grey Mare” Appalachian folk music from the Library of Congress' Gordon Collection (http://www.loc.gov/folklife/Gordon/sideAbandA3.html#oldgraymare); performed by Bascam Lamar Lunsford in the Asheville, North Carolina area on October 19, 1925

See also

• Bluegrass
• Old-time music