Across The Blue Ridge - Episode 7 (Cultural and Musical Crossroads)

The story of American traditional music is one of intertwined cultures.  This week host Paul Brown guides us along a fascinating trail of old time mountain music, country blues, gospel and bluegrass shared by African-American and European-American musicians.  We hear the music of nearly forgotten artists including the Foddrells of Stuart, Virginia, and harmonica wizard Deford Bailey, an early African-American star of the Grand Old Opry. Also on the show are Jimmie Rodgers, the first country music superstar whose music is thoroughly infused with blues influences; and Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music who openly credited African-American musician Arnold Schultz as a big influence on him. There's Joe Thompson, a North Carolina African-American who played the European fiddle in a bluesy old time style and tells the story of learning an African-American spiritual from a white neighbor.  And the serene guitar playing of Etta Baker brings a peaceful cast to a song with a difficult heritage. 

Episode 7 Playlist

1. Hop, Skip & Jump – Turner & Lynn Foddrell
   Album – The Foothill Blues
    
2. I Got A Woman – Turner & Marvin Foddrell
   Album – Classic Appalachian Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
    
3. Kelly's Love (Careless Love) – Turner & Lynn Foddrell
   Album – The Foothill Blues
    
4. Railroad Blues – Sam McGee
   Album – Old Time Mountain Blues
    
5. Davidson County Blues – Deford Bailey
   Album – Harmonica Blues (Yazoo)
    
6. Shirt Tail Boogie – Paul Brown
   Across the Blue Ridge recording
    
7. BREAK 1  Down Yonder – Haywood Blevins
   Album – FRC Haywood Blevins
    
8. Never No Mo' Blues – Jimmie Rodgers
   Album – Essential Jimmie Rodgers
    
9. Bear Creek Blues – Carter Family
   Album – The Carter Family Clinch Mountain Treasures
    
10. Red River Blues – Lesley Riddle
    Album – Classic Appalachian Blues
     
11. Sittin' Alone in the Moonlight – Bill Monroe And His Bluegrass Boys
    Album – In the Pines
     
12. Hold Whatcha Got – Jimmie Martin
    Album – You Don't Know My Mind
     
13. Boll Weevil – Tommy Jarrell
    Album – Down to the Cider Mill
     
14. Banjo Riff – Paul Brown
    Across the Blue Ridge recording
     
15. BREAK 2 Twin Sisters – Sidna Myers
    Album – Clawhammer Banjo Vol. 1
     
16. I Shall Not Be Moved – Joe Thompson
    Album – Family Tradition
     
17. Railroad Bill – John Jackson
    Album – Classic Appalachian Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
     
18. Bully of the Town – Etta Baker
    Album – One Dime Blues
     
19. Heart in Sorrow – Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry
    Album – Classic Harmonica Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
     
20. Down South Blues – Dock Boggs
    Album – Old Time Mountain Blues