A HAUNTING VOICE FROM THE APPALACHIAN HILLS: Shape Note Singing that Lifts the Soul. FOA Ep. 3

Shape note singing is a way of reading music used to teach groups of folks how to sing who could not read traditional music scores. It was taught in traveling music schools and was used widely in Appalachia and popularized with the publication of books released in the mid-1800s. I read from a conversation from my book, Hands in Harmony, that I had with musician friend Laura Boosinger about shape note singing.
We'll hear the haunting acapella rendition of Idumea, by the Christian Harmony singers featuring Jerry Israel. It brings chills up the back of my neck every time I hear it. This tune is on my friend Sheila Kay Adams CD, "All The Other Fine Things," and is included on the music CD with my book, Hands in Harmony: Traditional Crafts and Music in Appalachia.
While this powerful and haunting shape note song unfolds you will see photographs from my books, The Face of Appalachia: Portraits from the Mountain Farm, On Earth’s Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs, and Hands in Harmony as well as unpublished work from the past 40 years.
For more information on songs and acapella ballads by the amazing Sheila Kay Adams check out the following link:
Sheila Kay Adams - Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (blueridgeheritage.com) www.blueridgeheritage.com/art...
To learn more about the multitalented Laura Boosinger visit:
Laura Boosinger - Music of the Southern Mountains lauraboosinger.com

[@maryg.249]

I live in rural Iowa. We sing by shaped notes at church. No instruments. You should hear our young people sing. It’s beautiful. Mary

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That sounds wonderful. We still have one church in the area that does an annual sing which is a real treat.

[@justforever96]

A capella singing is the must beautiful music in the world. Especially the old minor key tunes.

[@tootle_soup]

Where at, I’m an iowa native myself. 🥰

[@dillinpicklesworth5698]

Same here in tennessee, appalachia, ❤❤

[@karenschulz6733]

Which church?!

[@naradaian]

We call this Idumea over here in England…..it’s at least 4-500 years old as a tune and song. It’s always sung simply and ‘unpolished’ but like here shines brightly and probably will do for as long as we survive

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It's certainly one of the most haunting and impactful songs I have heard as well.

[@justforever96]

Idumea is the name of the tune he is singing. It is the same in the Sacred Harp and other tune books.

[@thelastofusrodah932]

Idumea is an old word for Edom, as in 'tribe of Esau'. that's a strange name for this music considering the lyrics are opposite of modern Edomites, which we now refer to as jews

[@bigol9223]

Idumea hmmm

[@donnaallison7462]

You can really tell the Scots Irish tone in the Appalachian music and songs. The songs of Appalachian people are the most heart felt soulful songs. Thank you for sharing with us all!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

This shape note song gives me chills every time I hear it. So haunting and powerful. The songs of Appalachia really reflect the soul of the region and its people, and music is such an integral and important part of our collective story.

[@donnaallison7462]

@@thefaceofappalachia It sure is! It tells the story of our people's happiness, heartache, Joy's of our life ,our love of families and our land and our faith in God,Our history and our past.our struggle and our strength.

[@peterdelmonte9832]

Scotch!

[@jebsmith323]

And that drone in the background echos the sound of bagpipes.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

9/28/23: SCOTS, actually. Not Scotch.

[@WorkingTitleMedia]

I see these images and listen to the voice and feel as if I am home. It all seems so familiar. I grew up in GA, near Atlanta, but I see family faces from my childhood in your images. Cry. Weep.

[@robertmitchell2178]

The Scots-Irish melody and scales like bagpipe drone music perfectly displayed here.

[@RevLovegland]

Shape note singing originated in England. I should think Appalachian people of English origins introduced it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed the music and thanks for your comments!

[@Holcroft1969]

With the commemoration of D-Day we have had quite a few Americans coming to the UK lately, and today there was a group of American Ladies and Gentlemen in town and they were doing Shape Note Singing in the park and it was lovely to see and hear.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, that must have been a real treat. Thank for letting us know, that sounds wonderful.

[@rainbowmafia80hd]

Something about Sacred Harp music hits my Appalachian soul in a primal, profound way. I'm moved to tears. I get goosebumps over my whole body. I feel the vibrations in my bones. I feel the power, the pain, the glory, the woes. My DNA sings along with these folks. I love it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I agree. I get chills on the back of my neck when I hear this song, no matter how many times I hear it.

[@amandamercer5998]

You’ve described exactly how I feel listening to this!

[@justforever96]

You have to check out the Shenandoah Harmony too. I started out in the Sacred Harp, it's by far the most will known and popular shape note book. But the Shenandoah Harmony is a newer book full of old songs, they went through all the old tune books from the era before and when the Sacred Harp was published, and selected all the very best tunes they could find. And I think I have definitely decided it's even better than the Sacred Harp. The Sacred Harp has a lot of more recent compositions in it, it has been updated repeatedly, and they are mostly great songs, but they tend to be gospel and major key tunes. The Shenandoah is mostly the old minor key tunes like this one, about death, etc. A really fantastic book, and most of the tunes are on KZbin, there is at least two channels of just Shenandoah Harmony singing. Almost all the best songs are online (although sadly I have found a couple really good tunes that just don't seem to have any recordings available at all, which is too bad).

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to hear you are enjoying the episodes and the music. The songs are such an important part of the culture that we will continue to feature traditional music as a key element. Thanks for watching and for you comments.

[@grandpahickory613]

I know now how Hank Williams got his iconic sound, and songwriting style....This explains it all !!!! Even his style of singing, exactly like this shape note singing style.....

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Great observation! I can really hear it in his version of Ramblin' Man.

[@johnnyfreedom3437]

I had never heard it explained like this, thank you. And this is one step farther back in the hills from today's bluegrass! My first Bluegrass Festival was North Carolina I think it was 1976! There were groups playing everywhere in that parking lot! Thanks for taking me back!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Johnny, Thanks you for watching and so glad you enjoyed the music!

[@blueridger28]

From 5 generations in the blue ridge mountains of NC, I know this all to well. Shape note or sacred harp was sung at my church. Ive strayed from the flock into punk rock and heavy metal but i know where i come from.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So great to hear you still remember early music that played a role in your life. Five generations is a long time to have such a connection to a place.

[@blueridger28]

​@@thefaceofappalachiait is, not many folks can claim that and still on the same land passed down since just after the civil war. I love to get out and travel but this place is home, without a single doubt in my head.

[@blueridger28]

I still come back to this

[@soulsolemole]

That is real faith singing. Beautiful. Godly.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad it struck a chord with you.

[@justforever96]

I feel like churches are missing a great opportunity by not including shape note singing in their services. In fact, to me, it is a church service in itself. You congregate, you make the opening prayer, then you all come together and lift your voices in praise to God, it brings you all together and you are all a part of it, and you create a beautiful thing that only exists in the moment, and then is gone, except in your heart and mind. The lyrics are sermons in themselves. Them closing prayer and you leave. I don't see why much more than that is required. It's exciting, it's soul healing, it brings God among you, it praises Him, it educates you on doctrine, and mindfulness of your mortality and your soul. And the way we sit facing each other really emphasizes your feeling of fellowship. No one is really "sitting n the back" at a sacred harp singing. No boring sitting in a pew listening to a preacher talk for two hours, I have never been bored at a singing, ever. And they go on for six hours or more. At least blend the two together.

[@soulsolemole]

@@justforever96 I am not much for most sermons in any creed. Music with passion and Godly praise seem to raise the roof for Angels to bear witness and record the praises - and indeed to continue praising the Lord in the Heavenly House of God for those singing His praises for as long as Creation persists by His Grace. How blessed is the House of Adam.

[@soulsolemole]

@@thefaceofappalachia like a bell in my heart!

[@DonnyKarr]

Amen. Exactly why the scriptures tell us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing with grace in your hearts to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” -Colossians 3:16

[@baxtersmomma]

I had a paperback hymnal that had these notes. I played out of it for church, as the pianist. I had no idea what the shaped notes meant! Thank you for sharing this!

[@renadenham4250]

When I was young, all the hymnals at church had shape notes. This was back in the sixties.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats so great that you remember that. My mother was a choir director then and she siad it would have been easier for her to have learned shape notes than to try to teach reading church hymnal music to the folks at her mountain church.

[@ritaspeers1259]

Mine too! Same era.

[@nattamused9074]

I love this so much. I lived in WV for almost 10 years, and I miss the Appalachian ways. Our new church in Texas is an a Capella, Psalm singing church. It’s another type of beauty. But I miss that Appalachian sound.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like an interesting place to worship. Would love to hear the comparison sometime.

[@jonw8847]

My whole family is from East TN, been there for 200+ years. Most have no birth records if you go back far enough. Truly mountain folk. I went back recently and visited Cades Cove which is the general area we came from, and the churches still standing in the valley are primitive baptist (the sort that would have sung this way). Thanks for sharing this, it’s so cool to hear what a regular Sunday may have sounded like to them when the area was still being settled.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes we're fortunate some places, like Cades Cove have [preserved the old structures. It's one of my favorite places and been camping there and visiting and exploring for over 40 years. Your family has a long history in the area!

[@gloriauselton9897]

When I would ask my dad about our heritage he would just say Scott-Irish I never realized what that really meant. His mother Mary Bullman Sands was known as singing Mary. They were from around Walnut in Madison Co. These episodes are so interesting.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That is really intesesting. Any idea where she got that name and when she lived in that area?

[@lauraboosinger8625]

@@thefaceofappalachia Mary sands was one of Cecil sharp’s most important informants. Joe Penland has done tons of work around her work.

[@scottallen6062]

@@lauraboosinger8625 Thanks for the info, Laura. I hope you are well and were happy with your video. It was a joy spending time with you.

[@lauraboosinger8625]

@@scottallen6062 thanks Scott! It was a great video now on my website!

[@michaeldalton4197]

Thanks for these videos. I hope these never get lost. We need to remember.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I agree. We are trying to get as many stories online as possible so more people can learn about the people's lives and so that they will be remembered.

[@maryeliason1504]

Went right through me. Filled me up with joy. Thank you.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Mary, I'm so glad you enjoyed the tune and images. It's a powerful song for sure.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Ms Alice’s face and hands show the miles and miles of work and worry that she has done

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Randie, Yes they do. It's one of the things I love about photographing older folks is the history and time reflected in their faces.

[@flowerpower3618]

And it’s a beautiful display of life .

[@wdtaut5650]

My family are all low country, never part of Appalachia. My Grandad could only read shape notes, not regular music. I heard him sing like this many times. I had one uncle, married my Mom's sister, who was from "the hills". He didn't read any music, just played any piece he was shown on his fiddle. My aunt could read music but she didn't let it interfere with her playing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Shape note singing was widespread. As you say it went all through the country. There were singing schools that traveled and taught the singing and it enabled many to be able to sing the hymns. Sounds like your family loved music!

[@user-ci6by1ky6e]

I love this I grew up in this way of life, it was a honest way of living, thank you

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I am glad you are enjoying and appreciating the programs.

[@cameroncampbell7706]

I am from East Tennessee, my mamaw always sang and played guitar this brings me back to old days in a pentecostal church.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad it struck a chord with you and brings back good memories!

[@gillisBR549]

Just realized, that I have one of your books, “The Face of Appalachia “, just ran across your channel , watching other video from this series. Beautiful work you have done, preserving this , almost gone way of life. Was the same down east here in Nc , ole homesteads , hard work, Church, community… some changes are good, and we can’t turn back time, but oh those were sweet times…

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Jobo, Great to hear that you are enjoying the episodes and appreciate that you have The Face of Appalachia book. It's been popular and we just reprinted it. There're so many beautiful places to visit in the eastern part as well and such a rich culture and history.

[@gillisBR549]

@@thefaceofappalachia , thank you!

[@ermancroney3805]

That is how I learned to read music. One of our shape note instructors encouraged us to buy "Rudiments of Music" and I did. I still have it. Great little booklet to help understand how 8 little notes builds such beautiful harmony! It is a strong part of my ancestry. God bless you all.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That is awesome! We love to hear the connections folks have with the videos and stories and songs we put together.

[@willhoyle752]

Love this channel. I'm from Eastern NC but Love the NC mountains!!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Awesome! Thank you! I love to travel to eastern NC. It's such a change from here and lots of old barns and history.

[@mrsc1952]

Beautiful. I wish I could step into the pictures.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Putting together these episodes has brought back so many memories and has given me the opportunity to refresh the memories of the time spent with them.

[@bluegrasshack3810]

10/6/23: Oooooh! Me, too, especially as I dig deeper into my DNA and genealogy! Thanks so much for this rich music! It overcomes me!

[@toldcs65animallover66]

Thank you for this video. Both the music and photos are absolutely beautiful. Makes me wish I could go back in time and go back to those hills again where my people lived and worked and loved.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes I share the sentiment. As many years as I have spent doing this I still wish I could have spent more time meeting these terrific folk.

[@margiemasih1073]

This was real life

[@fremenchips]

@@thefaceofappalachia Are the photos from a collection or particular photographer?

[@ellencoomer3345]

I cannot express how much I have enjoyed with some tears your latest one about Peggy and our families. I am humbled that you asked me to be a part of it. Keep up this wonderful history of our community and uts people.

[@scottallen6062]

Ellen, I want you to know what an honor it has been to meet you and spend time with you. Thanks for your contributions! I hope we did justice to your family's legacy.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Ellen, I am so glad you enjoyed the episode on Peggy and Nathan. I always try to represent people in a respectful way and honor their lives with my work, both in my books and now in these videos. When family members are pleased that is the highest compliment I can hope for. Your willingness to participate and let us speak with you about your family really made a difference and added so much warmth and interest to the video.

[@siggyduststar9736]

GREAT! I found my Soul in Here. And I´m a Norwegian, and Live in Norway.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for letting us know this struck a chord with you. Its great to know we have folks from Norway watching!

[@ellencoomer3345]

Thanks for more good memories of family and friends.

[@scottallen6062]

Hello there! It was an honor to meet you and listen to your stories. I hope we get to see you soon

[@ellencoomer3345]

@@scottallen6062 Thank you. I enjoyed our visit. Looking forward to seeing you and Tim again.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks, Ellen. It means a lot to me that you are enjoying the episodes.

[@loganshamberger9490]

We have actually started a shape note singing group in Morgantown, WV on 4th Saturdays. Idumea is becoming one of our mainstays! You should check out the Shenandoah Harmony. It has songs that were popular in the Mid Atlantic/Shenandoah Valley region and it is stunningly beautiful to sing from.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Will do. Thanks for the feedback and information. I'm sure others will appreciate knowing about that event as well.

[@teika9]

I live in the Grapevine Community (15yrs) on Arrington Branch Rd. love the photos of Arrington Branch Baptist Church. your photographs may have been one reason I picked Madison County Thank you

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Randall, thats really neat that you live in that area. It is one of my favorite places and I'm sure you love being there. If my photographs played a part in that in some way, I am flattered.

[@teika9]

Your Photographs did remind me discovering the hidden past, thank you

[@nancyyonce2906]

I ENJOY THESE VIDEOS SO MUCH. THEY GIVE ME SO MUCH PEACE AND CONTENTMENT

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Nancy; Its gratifying to know that what we are trying to do hits home with folks. Thanks for reaching out.

[@MissouriPenny]

Enjoyed replay thanks for sharing your channel 😀 👍🏼

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed

[@FrankBott]

During my 9 years in Asheville i met many wonderful people. Your at the top of that list without a doubt. Beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much, Frank. I really appreciate that. The feeling is mutual, and you are missed here. Hope life is going well in the high desert!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

9/28/23: I have a recently discovered half-sister in Black Mountain, NC! We plan to meet soon so she can see how much I look “like them.”

[@ritaspeers1259]

Beautiful! When I was a little girl, a man by the name of Tom Graves taught us a two week course in shaped note singing. It was great fun! That was at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Roane County Tennessee. 😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

What a great memory. There are still a few places where they do classes like that but not many left.

[@slackjaw4270]

Did you ever read the newspaper articles from the twins Dee and Lee in the local newspaper there? They were little angels. I'm from next door in LC.

[@ritaspeers1259]

@@slackjaw4270 I sure did! I knew Dee & Lee! They would visit Poplar Springs church sometimes. They always raised a big garden, too. Fun ladies!

[@Irishfianna]

Sounds like "Sean Nos" style of old irish singing

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats interesting. I'll have to check into that. Thanks.

[@EatBakeSing]

I love sacred harp so much and used to be a regular singer here in England for some years. Alas a covid test is still required to sing - I have no idea why - so I’ve not been for far too long. It’s a sad situation indeed as nowhere else has such restrictions. Life goes on

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That is unusual, not sure wht they are doing around here but doubt that is a requirement. Its such a wonderful way to sing and really lets peoples emotions come through.

[@gustavoserrate595]

This is one of the most beautiful and hauting songs.

[@scottallen6062]

I agree. Thank you so much for commenting. You are appreciated

[@s.lucius8853]

My Dad (92) talks about how he learned to sing “reading” shape notes.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

My mother lead church choirs when she was young and everyone then was using shape notes in the rural churches in our mountains. She said she should have just learned that and not tried to teach them to read music in the hymnals and it would have been a lot easier on her!

[@nolanshepherd7380]

Wow just simply wow

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for letting us know how much you connected with the music. We appreciate you watching.

[@jethrobodine4638]

wow, just wow! that music feeds the soul! great work. i cannot wait to get involved with learning shape note singing. i plan on picking up your books.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad it was meaningful to you. Shape note singing is still taught a few places around. Thanks for taking a look at my books as well.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

Brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing these beautiful voices

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I certainly understand the impact. The music and voices are so powerful.We appreciate you letting us know how much it meant to you.

[@MarkArrand-cf4cl]

Wow! Totally blown away!❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for letting us know how much you connected to the video!

[@woodswitch8879]

Thank you! I love this video!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are so welcome! We are having a labor of love to produce them.

[@sallylawson6742]

Beautiful!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@margaretdecker4861]

I just heard this for the first time, just beautiful!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Welcome, then. We hope you'll check out some of our other episodes and stay tuned for more!

[@delorestaylor8114]

Beautiful.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you! Appreciate your input and comment.

[@b.tilson5198]

Absolutely beautifully done! Brings a tear to my eyes and a longing to my heart to go back.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So kind of you to share how much the episode meant to you. We hope you will stay tuned for more stories to come.

[@charlotte-yh4hs]

thank you for this great work!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Our pleasure. Thanks for tuning in and hope you'll stay with us.

[@glendamiller2929]

An absolute beautiful touching video.

[@scottallen6062]

Glenda, thanks for spending time with the channel. Hope you come back often. You are always welcome!

[@nonnieprice5827]

So beautiful, heart felt singing . Thanks for sharing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening

[@Khatoon170]

How are you doing sir . Happy Easter , thank you for your wonderful cultural documentary channel. Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American KZbin channels we are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level improve our English language as well. I gathered main information about Appalachian region including states Alabama, Kentucky, north and South Carolina, Ohio , Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Appalachian mountain consists of culture, art , myth , folklore, food , multiple ethnic influences including African , German , native Americans. There are Appalachian English or Appalachian dialect known as English mountain or southern mountain English. Named Appalachian from native Americans tribe lived at Tallahassee Florida. Appalachian people called hillbilly hooch , hillbilly hot or dogs , hillbilly mascots . Rooted from Scotland. Iam sorry to be little long but reading and writing both are great ways to improve our English as none native speakers. Wishing for your channel more success and progress. Best wishes for you your family friends.

[@fortyeighter8917]

You forgot to mention the most influencing people on appalachian culture : both English and Scots-Irish . As an arab like you, i'm interested in this culture too, and i have a hankering for learning about appalachia, its language and its culture including music of course .

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks so much for getting in touch and sharing your desire to learn more. I appreciate your efforts in language learning as English is a difficult one to master. I hope you will stay tuned to learn more about the Appalachian culture.

[@slackjaw4270]

Hello, I'm glad you appreciate our culture. We welcome and appreciate yours as well. Our savior, Jesus Christ spoke Aramaic, a predecessor to Arabic. Here is a beautiful song I love in Arabic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX_Cpn-rpqx0fMU

[@davehall8921]

LOVED IT ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to know you enjoyed the episode! Thanks for watching.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

wow.....the link between gospel, folk and western (gregorian/polyphoniv?) church music!!! amazing, more old recordings please

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for watching. We love the music connections and always try to include music underscoring our videos so stay tuned!

[@peterpiets3631]

Hauntinglu beautifull 😊

[@DonnyKarr]

Majestic. This is surely more pleasing to God our Father than the sad, desperate rock and roll bands playing in the worship service of many churches today.

[@matthewschultz3986]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for spending time with us! I love this episode so much. I am moved every time I watch it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, it still gives me chills when I hear this tune.

[@janetnga3234]

Beautiful

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you Glad you are enjoying the programs.

[@ClaudeMashburn]

God bless you and your work to keep this music alive. Hearing it stirs my soul. When this old man was just a child

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Claude. Thanks for getting in touch. We ceratainly love the traditional tunes and they are dear to our hearts.

[@baptistegilistro2595]

I'm from Bretagne (not irish nor scot but celtic roots nevertheless) this stuff touches something inside me into another level.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, I think it strikes a chord that runs deep through all our histories. I remember my cousin visiting Ireland years ago and seeing the longhouses and saying there was someting so familiar about them even though he grew up in North Carolina, that he felt like he had a memory of them deep within somewhere.

[@donnamays24]

That was absolutely special! ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So gald to enjoyed the episode and thanks for watching.

[@peggymiller8684]

Really enjoying your videos. They are very well done.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much for the positive input. Viewers encouragement helps keep us motivated!

[@larryacord5497]

Wonderful true spiritual singing. Love it.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So gald you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@panatypical]

It sounds pretty good when everybody is joining in. The guy by himself though, it has a rather forboding tone. My mom's side of the family is from that part of Pennsylvania. I would have to hear a song and then sing it from memory, that's how things work for me.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It would be a good one to sing. I do like the harmony singers and Jerry has a haunting voice for sure. Maybe you'll be inspired to learn it or another like it.

[@SadieAllen]

Awesome video!!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks, Sadie. I appreciate your enthusiasm and hope to continue making episodes that strike a chord with people.

[@planetcoasterboycj7274]

One has to wonder if this is what gatherings of The Early Church with The Apostles sounded like? Absolutely beautiful.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I have always found this to be both a beautiful and haunting tune, especially done this way. Glad you enjoyed it as well.

[@kendrasmith6637]

Thank you. Loved hearing this 😊 New subscriber

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@brucesumner6327]

Thanks!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats terrific and so much appreciated. It sure helps out in keeping new episodes on the way!

[@bobchmi3855]

beauty endures.

[@scottallen6062]

Bob, so good to hear from you. Yes, beauty does endure!

[@netrunner2.0]

incredible

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thannks,. We certainly appreciate you watching!

[@suesmall2183]

Singing schools and shape note singing were prominent in New England, many tunes named for towns up here, many composers were from New England too. The tradition lasted longer in Appalachia but I don't think it originated there...

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes I think they were widespread at one point then have slowly faded away. Still a few gatherings aroubd here annually.

[@phenomadology23]

@@thefaceofappalachia There's been a gradual resurgence across the country! A different form than the old-school singing schools, but we have singings here in MN a few times a week, and 2-3 conventions a year. Did you know it's also spread to Ireland, England, Germany, and Poland?

[@jackiemontogmery125]

New subscriber, such beautiful music. Thank you for what you are doing to keep Appalachia alive. I got interested in the culture of Appalachia from Tipper Pressley on the Celebrating Appalachian channel . She loves everything about it, the language,food ways & people. Her family goes back many generations in Western North Carolina. Grammy from Texas!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Welcome aboard! We really admire Tipper and her family. So glad you found us as well.

[@natmanprime4295]

mmm, nice

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@cajsheen2594]

Could have background accompaniment to Amazing Grace, that's what it very much reminded me of! ❤ XXX

[@thefaceofappalachia]

They are both powerful songs, for sure. Thanks for reaching out.

[@temi-twistedzones]

😍Beautiful 😍

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Listen again still cry ✌️❤️

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed the music. Thanks for tuning in!

[@joeg255]

this is a version of "and am i born to die". Doc watson was my introduction to it. "Hicks Farewell" sounds very similar to me as well. Either way it sounds best with a fiddle accompaniment

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Doc did a lot to mainstream many of the old mountain tunes and ballads. He had a wonderful way of interpreting them.

[@miketalley5476]

This sounds remarkably like Irish "Sean Nos" singing!

[@randlerichardson5826]

This is interesting Tim

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad you are enjoying the episodes and finding them of interest.

[@tolpiteeyeq5832]

Can I ask who is singing this rendition of the song? I absolutely adore this version

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Jerry Israel is singing lead with the Christian Harmony Singers. Jerry has passed away now, but glad Sheila Adams got that recording .

[@bluegrasshack3810]

9/28/23: My history is there in the Caughrons of Cades Cove, and several families in North Carolina. DNA, my friends!🧬 You are all probably “cousins”.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wow, great to hear. Cades Cove is one of my favorite places and we go camp there every year.

[@aimeefabre5926]

BADDASS!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks. So glad you are enjoying the episodes!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks. Glad you are enjoying the episodes.

[@Palladiosios]

It reminds me of the Greek-Albanian singing of Epirus and also of Byzantine polyphony

[@thefaceofappalachia]

These traditional ways of singing and music seem to have much more common elements across cultures than I think most people realize. There's something basic and almost primal about much of this music.

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

For why I cry

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you connected with the music. It is powerful.

[@kentuckylady2990]

Idumea

[@7Steveski]

So moving. Sounds like it’s influenced by Scots Irish music.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes, many of these old songs were brought with the Scots-Irish when they imigrated to America and then moved down the Appalachian chain of mountains. We should be thankful they are still being preserved by some dedicated folks so future generations can enjoy them and feel the power of the music.

[@Thoumint]

Just recognized that they used this song in the movie cold mountain during the battle of the crater.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

That's neat. I'll have to listen to that next time I watch the movie! Its a great tune so I can see why.

[@Thoumint]

@@thefaceofappalachia What genres would this typically fall into?

[@clandiahmusic1817]

Thank you for uploading this. In addition to the vocal recording I also enjoyed the guitar recording at the end of the video. What is the name of that tune, and is it available on a recording somewhere ?

[@trumpetingangel]

❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks and glad you are liking the episodes.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Good morning

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Hello and glad you are watching the episodes.

[@MrWilly2204]

This is how we’ve always sung at church. We have no instruments.

[@scottallen6062]

So great to hear from you. Thanks for sharing about your church! Voices are instrument enough. Keep stopping by for a visit.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I remember interviewing Ralph Stanley many years ago and he was raised the same way in his church. Not many that do that anymore. Its a powerful way to make music.

[@peterpiets3631]

Sounds very caucasian, the mountains that is😊

[@davidhamilton7628]

👍

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks, David.

[@soulmachine56]

Does anyone know where I can find this version of the song other than this video?

[@scottallen6062]

Hope you are well. I just saw your question. This song is on a recording by Sheila Kay Adams called "All the Other Fine Things". Thanks for spending time with our channel. I hope you will stop by often.

[@littlewolfprimalcrafts]

Thank you for giving me a tangible connection to my kin. 🩸🤙

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are welcome. I'm glad you are enjoying the episodes.

[@nattamused9074]

Sometimes it’s called solfa.

[@scottallen6062]

Thanks for visiting and sharing that info.

[@OK-Take5]

Fasola singing.

[@ronaldtiracchia2017]

What is that book you are reading. I would like to find some of these recordings. Does anyone have any suggestions it's so beautiful

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I am holding my book, Hands in Harmony. It has a 22-sonfg music CD with it (including this tune) with 22 others which include fiddle and banjo songs and a capella ballads. Available on my website at barnwellphoto.com thanks for joining us.