Jeff Biggers writes in his book The United States of Appalachia, "For many of us, Appalachia first entered our lives in the form of music." He describes the region as having received an "ordained role as the Eden of American music" and that this role "has been well chronicled for years" by many. The role of music in the mountains both historically and presently cannot be ignored. Therefore, today, I will be beginning something new at the blog. Each Monday I will post a song by an artist either from the Appalachian mountain region or by an artist whose musical style falls in line with the mountain music tradition. If a song selected here does not have its genesis in the mountains, it could be argued, as Biggers does argue, that "the Southern Appalachians [have] simply provided the setting, and the moniker, (or you could add influence) with a stamp of rustic authenticity" for the song or the performer. So, in my view, the song or performer can still be legitimately highlighted here based upon that argument.
First in line, then, is "Rank Strangers" sung by the Stanley Brothers. Interestingly, Biggers notes of the song, "Often described as one of the most famous 'traditional' Appalachian mountain tunes-attributed to the Stanley Brothers for their haunting version-'Rank Strangers' was churned out in the Depression-era back offices of song writer Albert E. Brumley, whose Arkansas and Missouri company served as the lyricist for the country and gospel industry for decades." Enjoy!
First in line, then, is "Rank Strangers" sung by the Stanley Brothers. Interestingly, Biggers notes of the song, "Often described as one of the most famous 'traditional' Appalachian mountain tunes-attributed to the Stanley Brothers for their haunting version-'Rank Strangers' was churned out in the Depression-era back offices of song writer Albert E. Brumley, whose Arkansas and Missouri company served as the lyricist for the country and gospel industry for decades." Enjoy!
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