The Sound of America

There is not a single instrument in the United States that is as quintessentially American as the banjo is. This guitar like instrument has a round frame and either four, five or six strings. It originated in Africa, and was brought to the American Colonies with the arrival of African slaves from 1620 onwards. Soon the instrument could be heard during slave gatherings at plantations all along the Southern states of the US. 

Banjos were introduced to a wider non-black audience through Minstrel Shows. Minstrel Shows started in the 1830's. They were a ridiculous attempt to depict the lives of African American slaves who lived on plantations in the South. White actors painted their faces black and acted like dumb-witted slaves that did nothing all day but steel food, do silly things and play music on their banjo. One of the most popular songs that came from one of these Minstrel Show's was Stephen Foster's 1847 hit "Oh Susannah". The song was later covered by such greats as Neil Young, the Byrds, and James Taylor. 

Minstrel Shows were very popular from the 1830's until the late 1890's, and the banjo's popularity grew with it. Soon not only African slaves played the instrument, but many white Americans did too. The banjo could be heard in several musical styles from blues, to country and folk music, as it was played all throughout the US.

Earl Scruggs was born in 1924 in Carolina, and started started playing the banjo at a young age. He developed his own three finger picking style and in 1945 was discovered by the founder of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. Ever since Bill Monroe added Earl Scrugss to his band, the banjo became an indispensable part of Bluegrass music. Only three years later, Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt left Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, to start their own band. The duo soon became quite popular and even landed a spot on the Grand Ole Opry. Below you can hear them at the Opry, performing one of their classics "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". 

In the 1950's the banjo again became an important part of folk music. It was reintroduced by Pete Seeger, the father of folk, who himself was an avid banjo player and wrote a popular book on "How to Play the 5-String Banjo". The book thought many young musicians at the time how to play this instrument, and the banjo soon found itself in another revival. Pete Seeger is 93 today, and he can still be heard playing his instrument in folk festivals all throughout the US. Below you can watch Seeger give a short history lesson on this beautiful instrument.  

You may also like:
A History of Bluegrass (Part 1)
Folk Song Collectors 
Johnny Cash's Inspiration 

10 Reasons Why I Love Dolly Parton

1. "Coat of Many Colors" is one of a few songs which always makes me stop what I'm doing and listen to the lyrics. 
2. She is one of the best at singing harmonies, and she's done it with some of the greatest musicians (just listen to  "Trio" and "Trio II" with Linda Rondstad and Emmylou Harris and "Honky Tonk Angels" with Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn). 
3. She's not just a real artist in that she can entertain crowds, but she's also a great singer, songwriter, and plays numerous instruments.  You don't see that combination in just one person very often in the music business.  
4. She wrote the song that accompanied me throughout my teen years: "I Will Always Love You", which has been covered by many artists since (Whitney Houston,  Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, and Jennifer Hudson among others. Elvis Presley actually wanted to cover the song, but Parton didn't allow it as she had to sign over half of the publishing rights to him). 
5. She's very funny and doesn't take herself too seriously. "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap" is one of her favorite lines. 
6. She doesn't stick with any particular style of music, but dares to delve into others genres too. So far she has sung country, bluegrass, disco, pop, folk and gospel music.  
7. She has been recording since 1959 when she was only 13 years old, but teenagers today still know her name and her music. 
8. She is one of the remaining living legends, and I had a chance to see her in concert back in 2007. 
9. She sang "Coat of Many Colors", "The Sweetest Thing" and "Here You Come Again", three of my favorite songs by her. Listen to them through the links above that will lead you to Spotify, or below on YouTube. Hope you like them as much as I do. 
10. Because she always puts a smile on my face. 

You may also like:
A History of Bluegrass (Part 2)
A Few Very Surprising Duets 
Harmony Singing

Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstad - The Sweetest Thing

Dolly Parton - Here You Come Again 

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

I like listening to different versions of the same song. Especially when it is done in a completely different genre. "In The Pines", also known as "Black Girl" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" is one of those songs. Originally a traditional American folk song, it was widely known among the African American population as "Black Girl". That was probably how Lead Belly learned about the song and decided to record it in 1944. 

Although he wasn't the one who wrote the song, nor the one who recorded it first, he is often mentioned as the original author. Lead Belly actually recorded several versions of this song. In the one below, you can hear his "Black  Girl" version, in other versions he changes "Black Girl" into "My Girl", perhaps to make it appeal to a wider (non black) audience. In fact, Lead Belly was the first African American singer who was popular among the white population. After spending a few years in prison, he toured several American Universities  with John Lomax, who had written a book on American folk music. Because the US was quite racist at the time,  Lead Belly was hired as Lomax's driver, to be able to travel together.

Lead Belly - "In the Pines"

Bill Monroe, the pioneer of Bluegrass music, also recorded a version of  "In the Pines" in the early 1940's. As many other Country and Bluegrass artists at the time he used old folk songs, and added some traditional country music instruments (banjo, fiddle, etc.) to it. Later, several other country artists covered Bill Monroe's version of the song; Dolly Parton, the Louvin Brothers, and Ralph Stanley. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a better YouTube version of the song, but I hope you'll enjoy it nevertheless.

Bill Monroe - "In the Pines"

Perhaps the best known version of the song was recorded by Nirvana on their 1994 unplugged album. They changed the title of the song into "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", but you can definitely hear that it is the same  song as "In the Pines". Lead Belly is actualy wrongully mentioned as the song's author during this  performance.

Nirvana - "Where Did You Sleep Last Night"

A History of Bluegrass ( Part 2)

By the time the folk music scene regained its popularity in the late 1950's, most famous Bluegrass singers  had lost their contracts and radio's stopped playing their music. Many folk singers, however, were heavily influenced by the Bluegrass style, and decided to bring this music back to the public. Moreover, in 1962 Flatt & Scrugs were asked to sing the theme song for the popular TV show The Beverly Hillbillies ("The Ballad of Jed Clampett"). They had no idea that by doing this, people would  forever identify bluegrass music with trashy white people. 

This revival of Bluegrass during the 1960's allowed some great old time Bluegrass singers to display their music to an entirely new audience. The Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe were among those. The Louvin Brothers were another brother duo that regained popularity, be it on a small scale. Although they sing a number of different musical styles, I personally like the Bluegrass versions of their songs best. "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" is one of my (and my father in laws') favorites. 

From the late 1960's until the late 1990's Bluegrass continued to be played, although it was largely overshadowed by other more popular music styles. During this time several country singers recorded Bluegrass albums (listen to Dolly Parton's Bluegrass Collection). The real revival, however, came in the early 2000's with the soundtrack of the movie "Oh Brother Where Art Thou". Some of the biggest stars in Bluegrass and Country music can be heared on this cd (Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris and the Carter Family). It also includes some bands which didn't achieve national fame yet, but rightfully did through this album (The Whites and the Cox Family). Thankfully, these artists didn't stop after the Oh Brother Soundtrack. The cd compilation "Down From the Mountain" is another one of my Bluegrass favorites, and includes many of the artists that are included in the Oh Brother Soundtrack.

Below you will find "I'm A Man of Constant Sorrow", the old time tradional folk song which Ralph Stanley brought to national fame. This is actually not really George Clooney singing, but Dan Triminsky, a musician in Alison Krauss' Union Station. Notice the woman at the beginning who's asking for the Soggy Bottom Boys, that's Gillian Welch :-). More about her will follow soon.

The Soggy Bottom Boys - "I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow"

A History of Bluegrass (Part 1)

As you may have already noticed I am a enormous fan of Bluegrass music. To me, Bluegrass represents music at its core. It's where all the good things in music come together. I love the vocal harmonies in bluegrass, as well as the splendid blending of different acoustic instruments; the banjo, steel / acoustic guitar, mandonline, fiddle, and the dobro.

The man who started this all was Bill Monroe. He grew up in the early part of the last century, when Bluegrass music did not even excist.  Bill Monroe was very interested in traditional music, and was inspired by a variety of musical genres; blues, jazz, country and Victorian parlor songs. He released his first record with his brother Charlie in 1936; "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul". It became a big hit in the Southeastern states of the US, and brought instant fame to the Monroe Brothers. After several severe fights with his brother, Bill decided it was best for them to part. He soon started a new band; Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. 

Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys produced several big hits.  In 1940 they released a redo of Jimmie Rodger's "Mule Skinner Blues" which became very popular. Their 1946 hit "Blue Moon of Kentucky" did even better, and has since been covered by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and Bob Dylan (to name just a few).  It was in these two song that the Bill Monroe style was perfected. Soon Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys became regulars at the Grand Ole Opry. While Bill Monroe continued to be a constant factor in his band, the Blue Grass Boys were continually replaced. Two of his former band mates that were able to also make a big name for themselves were Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. They started their own band The Foggy Mountain Boys and became quite famous for their hit "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"" (if you think you know how to play the guitar, try playing this song). Bill Monroe received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, just a few years before he died in 1996.

"Oh, (Monroe) was the first. But it wasn't called bluegrass back then. It was just called old time mountain hillbilly music. When they started doing the bluegrass festivals in 1965, everybody got together and wanted to know what to call the show, y'know. It was decided that since Bill was the oldest man, and was from the Bluegrass state of Kentucky and he had the Blue Grass Boys, it would be called 'bluegrass.'' - Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley, another big name in Bluegrass, was very much influenced by Bill Monroe (although Stanley never wanted to admit this).  Ralph Stanley started performing with his brother Carter at around the same time Bill Monroe did. Even though Bluegrass wasn't really known to be a musical genre back then, the Stanley brothers copied a lot of things that Bill Monroe and his band did at the time. What the Stanley Brothers did seem to work, they became almost as popular as Monroe was. The song "Man of Constant Sorrow" (a traditional folk song) was one of their biggest hits, which Ralph continued playing after his brother died in 1966. In 2004 the song was again introduced in the soundtrack of  the movie "Oh Brother Where Art Thou".

Several "Bluegrass" musicians lost their record deals in the late 1950's. This type of music was now seen as too old-fashioned and way too hillbilly. It wasn't, however, the end of Bluegrass. More information on how Bluegrass Came About will follow soon.

Bill Monroe - "Blue Moon of Kentucky"

You may also like:
A History of Bluegrass (Part 2)
My Love Letter to Alison Krauss 
Harmony Singing 

My love letter to Alison Krauss

I love Alison Krauss! Really I do. I think her talent is beyond this world. (And that's besides the fact that she has won 26 grammy's up until now. More than any other female artist and after Georg Solti and Quincy Jones, the third person with the most Grammy's in this entire world!)

Alison Krauss was actually one of the people who helped me broaden my musical horizon. Back in 2003 (when I didn't even now Alison Krauss excisted) I was downloading some songs. One of those songs was "Maybe", which I thought was Enrique Iglesias' version, but, when I started listening I soon discoverd that this song was a million times better than the song I actually wanted to download. I saw that it was sung by some woman named Alison Krauss and I immideately started downloading more songs by her. This is how I not only discovered the enormous talent that is Alison, but I also discovered this musical genre that's called bluegrass. And I loved it!

If there are some American readers out there you might be surprised that I never heard of Blugrass before 2003. But I grew up in small country called the Netherlands, and unfortunately, no one ever listens to Bluegrass here.

Alison Krauss started her musical career at a very young age as a fiddle prodigy. In the eighties she met with a bluegrass band called Union Station, and they have been together ever since. If you are not already familiar with Alison Krauss I will present you "Heaven's Bright Shore", "Everytime You Say Goodbye" and "Oh, Atlanta", songs you really ought to listen to. You will notice that Alison Krauss and Union Station (AKUS) complement each other perfectly. 

Alison Krauss and Union Station - "Heaven's Bright Shore"

Alison Krauss and Union Station - "Everytime You Say Goodbye"

Alison Krauss and Union Station - "Oh, Atlanta"

If you like this post you may also like:
A Few Very Surprising Duets 
Harmony Singing
A History of Bluegrass (Part 1)

Harmony Singing

Another day, another song. Because I am really really excited about my new blog, I have been awake all night last night thinking about new songs I can show you. So, this means that I will probably submit many more entrants in the upcoming days. This way I will be able to show a lot more great music to my new visitors. Besides, I do have lots of free time right now as I am currently unemployed. (For those of you who are interested: I've finished my masters degree early this year, and actually did have a job, but they fired me due to the current recession. I have been at home since September 1st of this year, and am still tyring to find a new job).

Anyhow, back to the music. Hope you have enjoyed Ella Fitzgerald! Now, for something completely differnt, I give you a bit of country music. Now, don't run away just yet! This is not just any kind of country music, this is Bluegrass. For those of you who are not familiar with the Bluegrass Style, I give you a few facts:

♪ Bluegrass was "invented" by Bill Monroe, who came from Kentucky (the Bluegrass State)
♪ It is very traditional music, and one can hear quite a few Irish and British influences in it.
♪ Instruments you will definitely hear in bluegrass are the banjo, the fiddle, and a steel guitar.
♪ I especially like bluegrass due to the beautiful harmony singing.
♪ Bluegrass became popular again after the 2000 movie and soundtrack "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou".

 The following video is by the Cox Family, who were introduced to a wider public by Alison Krauss. (If you pay close attention she will make a guest appearance in this video at 2.03). The Cox Family consists of two sisters, a brother, and their father. They have recorded a total of five albums (including one with Alison Krauss). You will also be able to hear them on the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack, where they sing a beautiful version of "I Am Weary Let Me Rest". The following song is another one of my favorites, and one which I think everyone ought to hear at least once in their lifetime:

"The Cox Family - Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown"

It is actually a gospel song (which many bluegrass songs are), but I like this version best. It has beautiful harmonies, and if you will listen to more harmony singing, you will notice that families sing the best harmonies.