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"

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.