Music of South Carolina - Definition and Overview

South Carolina is one of the Southern United States, and has produced a number of renowned performers of country, bluegrass and other styles. In 1762, Charlestown, South Carolina became the home of the St. Cecilia Society, the first musical society in North America. At the time, Charleston was a cultural center, attracting a number of musicians from Europe.

A few urban centers in South Carolina are home to thriving rock and roll and hip hop scenes, including Greenville, Clemson, Columbia and Charleston. The state's bluegrass has produced such bands as The Hired Hands.

South Carolina has an official American folk dance, the square dance. It also has two official state songs: "Carolina", with words by Henry Timrod and music by Anne Custis Burgess, and "South Carolina on My Mind", by Buzz Arledge and Hank Martin. South Carolina also has an "official music", spirituals; spirituals are sacred Christian songs originally developed by African Americans in the 19th century.