The Many Musical Threads in Our National Fabric; Early American Music by Region

Get in touch! Hi All, Episode two of “American Song” is an exploration of some of the early regional music from before the 20th century. Like some of the things we listened to in episode one, many of these forms survive and continue to be popular today! In this half-hour episode, we’ll listen to Appalachian and Mountain music, then travel down to Louisiana for a sampling of Cajun music! No trip to Louisiana is complete without at least a short stop in New Orleans – we’ll be back to New Orleans again in episode three. This week, however, we’re digging into the march music; early jazz music was, at least in part, played of ex- marching band members. And I hope you’re leaving a little room on your plate for some Mexican food – or at least music! Our neighbors to the south have contributed to our culture like everyone else. Here’s a list of the music used in this episode: West Virginia Gals Recorded 11/26/66 in the family home of Glen Lyn; Giles County, Virginia. Source: Library of Congress Barbara Allen Sung by “Granny Porter”; Wade Ward, fiddle player. Source: Ballads and Songs of the Blue Ridge Mountains; Persistence & Change Camden Clog Dancing Mike Adamson YouTube video Darlin’ Cori Cedric Watson on Gourd Banjo Cedric Watson YouTube video Wash Tub Bass Demonstration by Mick Ralphs YouTube video Whiskey Before Breakfast Performed by: Stephen Seifert YouTube video High On a Mountain Performed by: Ola Belle Reed Classic Mountain Songs; Smithsonian Folkways Cajun Comedian Comedy by: Kent Gonsoulin YouTube video La Danse du Mardi Gras Performed by: The Balfa Brothers Pomona Waltz Emil Waldtleufel; composer Recorded by E. Berliner Gramophone; 1897 Source; Library of Congress Soldier’s March Performed by Prince’s Military Band Recording Date; 3-25-1909 Source: Library of Congress Panama Rag Performed by: Regimental Band of the Republic (instrumentalist) Recorded By: American Record Co. Date: 1905 La Cucaracha Performed by: Cuco Sanchez Volver, Volver Performed by: Vicente Fernandez