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

[@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

[@friendlyface4044]

Aye mate, it's old.

[@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.

[@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).

[@adelejoy]

Goosebumps all over my body!

[@teresahiggs4896]

As a child of Appalachia you have expressed so well how I feel too. And a sense of joy at discovering something about my culture that I only have the vaguest childhood memory of hearing . I hope and pray there are always people from Applaxnia who preserve our unique dialect, food, music and culture,

[@samhunt9380]

I am Kiwi, living in Australia, of Scottish decent. A supposedly big tough widowed guy of 76 years. Why did this video and music bring me to tears? I think I just found the place my soul needs, to rest. Liked and subscribed.....

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I thnik tunes like this are universal in their appeal as people respond to the power of the music and the way it is harmonized by a group of people singing together. Its always been a powerful song for me as well.

[@sueballenger2300]

I with me it isn’t the words it’s the vibrational quality of the melody. Toning I guess it could be called. It quickens the soul.

[@sueballenger2300]

I too am of Scottish descent.

[@whatonearthishappening4485]

Jesus Christ LOVES YOU ❤ He died on the Cross for your Sins✝️ If you would like to know more please leave me a comment 🙏✝️🙂

[@timtruett5184]

Steven Porges thinks singing together activates something fundamental in our nervous system. He's done a lot of work on the vagus nerve.

[@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!

[@myrrhis01]

@@RevLovegland and was transplanted to New England before the large scale colonization of the Appalachian Mountains, and was carried there by settlers who were less affluent (hence their need and/or desire to migrate). Those settlers were from where? Largely Scottish, Irish and/or Scots-Irish, depending on how one defines those terms. So, yeah, there is plenty of reason to hear Scottish and Irish music in tunes that are written in shaped note, and sung by people of Scottish and Irish descent.

[@rsh793]

@@RevLovegland shape notes and metre psalter are totally different things - the shape notes just give the note - the metre gives the whole tone, which reflects the singing from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland - and to a lesser extent, Ireland - hence the comment that it has a Scottish/Irish base to it - NOT English - which is an entirely different musical history. Shape notes is just an easy way of reading music - which is a great system and yes, was an English habit. Further, however, and interestingly, the Appalchian area is mostly inhabited from those of Scottish/Irish emigrants - and so anything English wouldn't have really been a thing as such. England is, after all, a totally different country, with it's own history of origins to Scotland and Ireland.

[@sheemakarp6424]

The hair rose up on the back of my neck when i heard this haunting music - lamentation & resilience 🙏🏽

[@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.

[@quackslikeaduck]

Raw and beautiful. Bone and sinew. Tagore said that God respects us when we work, but he loves us when we sing. Thank you for posting.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening. We appreciate the sentiment for sure.

[@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

[@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.

[@CalmStrategyGame-wy6wc]

You can still hear people sing like this in East Tennessee. We're surrounded by mountains and the voices and music echo through the woods. The first time i heard this as an adult, i was ugly crying in under a minute. Gets you right in the heart. ❤ My dad's family are French/ Cherokee ( his dad ) and Scottish and Irish ( his mom). My mom's family are Cherokee, German and Italian. Mom's mom is half Cherokee and half German and mom's dad is Italian. I love this

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like you have a rich heritage. I'm glad this resonates with you and we appreciate you tuning in!

[@ss-bo9iz]

Howdy my neighbor/ family. East TN here

[@ss-bo9iz]

I never got taught the notes but they were given to me

[@JohnNiesyn]

So much I don't know, so much I need to learn. This touches my very soul.

[@PickleAllergy]

I live in rural West Virginia, about 19 years now. My home is on a mountain, tucked away in the woods, with about 4 neighbors semi-far away. In the summers, the neighbors play instruments and sing, sometimes 'clog'. I can not see the house or see the people hanging out in the screened porch of that house. BUT at the end of a day, sitting outside and hearing the music is incredible like seriously incredible.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like a wonderful experince. Thanks for sharing and we appreciate you watching.

[@rhiannonm8132]

the woman in bed at the end reminded me so much of my grandmother. she died a few weeks ago. she would have loved this. she would sing along to anything even if she didn’t know it. the spirit of this type of music would really speak to her. she loved hymns and couldn’t drive but would go along to any church she was invited and driven to as long as there was music.

[@somniumisdreaming]

My sympathies and prayers for you and your family.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats wonderful that she had such a love of music. I think many mountain folk enjoy singing be it in the church or shape notes or ballads. Thanks for sharing your memories of her!

[@TRIChuckles]

I'm truly sorry. This is a way of life that is less common and so very missed.😢

[@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 .

[@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!

[@judeirwin2222]

And do you own an ex-parrot?

[@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!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

7/5/24: The Kermit Caughron family was the last to leave their home place in Cades Cove. They are an extension of the MacEachern/McKaughan/McCoin Clan. I am a twig or branch in there somewhere.

[@teresahiggs4896]

My family has mostly been in the general area of Lake City/ Norris ( Lake City was once Coal Creek, then Lake City , now it’s Rocky Top. City goverment changed the name, most folks in town didn’t like it) area for about that long. My Disney Ancestor came over from England in 1600 something spend a couple years in Pennsylvania, then headed to East Tennessee, we have been there ever since. When I was growing up the phone book in Lake City had more Disneys than any other name. All were kin of one sort or another. . I se t my dna away to have it examined at one of those companies and it came back Irish, Scot, England . Nothing else. My family names are Disney, Queener, Reed and White . My moms family comes from Cherry Bottom in Campbell county.

[@ItsMeHello555]

My family too.. and I’m still here.. Morristown.. my parents were from Sneedville. This is how they sang when we planted tobacco on my Oma’s and Opa’s farm when I was little. I’d play in the branch with an old tin coffee can.. and be called to come water them in, after daddy planted each one. The memories. ❤

[@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.

[@tylertapp131]

This is straight up mountain, folk, viking and Scottish all in one. Am I born too die is an amazing song I first discovered watching cold mountain.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed hearing this version. It is a great rendition so sure. We aprecite you tuning in!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ramonacook8080]

I learned how to read shape notes in a Church in Wyoming County, WV. That was in the late around 1950. It works!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes it was popular because most people could pick it up much easier than the musical scores written in hymnals. And they had singing schools that would travel around and teach shape note singing. Neat to hear it was that widespread.

[@Snowbear-d4t]

This is the most spiritual music of all and I believe it’s timeless…like the Aramaic chants in the language of Jesus Christ🙏🏻

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It certainly does have a timeless feel to it. I think that is why it resonates with do many folks .

[@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.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for sharing. We're glad to know you feel connected to home when you see these episodes. We apprecaite you joining us.

[@notashroom]

I could have written your comment! I'm grateful that I managed to find a way to move to the Smokies almost 3 years ago now, and it's been like coming home, even though I had never lived here before, just descended from folks who did.

[@teresahiggs4896]

@@notashroom my family has lived in and around the Smokies for about 200 years. It will always be home to me . The mountains, tye music the food , and the dialect all mean “Home”. My roots are as deep as they get . And I love learning more about my culture .

[@scotty2x422]

Thank you for this I needed it I was raised up on Caney Ridge in Virginia outside a tiny town called Clintwood in the Appalachians . As a child I learned to play mandolin and and went to church and this is how we were taught to sing in church and at get-togethers . This video made me smile and cry at the same time.

[@paulallen3557]

I'm from over around Garrett, in Floyd County, KY and I understand how you feel. I appreciate your comments so much.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Scotty, thanks for tuning in and for sharing your own experiences with shape note singing. Sounds like great memories.

[@johnpatterson9829]

Strikingly familiar to North of England methodist hymns, totally effective and sincere.

[@somniumisdreaming]

With Northumbrian pipe drone. It is beautiful.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There are so many ways traditional music and tunes were, and are being interpreted in different ways I'm sure there is some connection there.

[@user-pr3np4cs7u]

This music stirs the soul on some find of primal level. It is so amazing to see how it was kept alive in England and the new world. My great grandma used to talk about the old country, and I still feel connected to my roots and the music. I have always loved blue grass, old country, the carters, Smokey Mountain Hymns and so much more.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It is amazing, for sure. These tunes and ways of preseneting them seem to span the ages, no doubt due to their power and resonance with succeeding generations.

[@maggiesue4825]

My dad's people were from Appalachia in Virginia, and my sister and I grew up surrounded by music. We had an old hymnal in our home with shaped notes, but I could play them just like the round ones. This old hymn made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. So heart-wrenching - the deepest soul-music I've ever heard.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wondeful story from your own experinces with shape note singing. Glad the episode was meaningful for you,

[@eSteamedPunx]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful and unique singing from Appalachia.

[@brucesumner6327]

Thanks!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

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

[@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.

[@heinz812]

Wow! That was special. What a soul stirring sound.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening. So glad to hear you responded to this powerful music.

[@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.

[@TerryGordon-v9n]

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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@robertgarland805]

Johnson City⚔️🔥🙏

[@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.

[@lauraburroughs226]

Reminds me of some of the singing/songs in the movie Oh Brother Where Art Thou?

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Yes that was the Cohen brothers voyage of discovery to the roots of country music.

[@ps603]

There is a movie called The Song Catcher, that has this type of singing.

[@vertricesmith6141]

@@thefaceofappalachia, look up and listen to Down to the River to Pray. That is a typical Eastern KY sound.

[@cal2780]

YES❤❤

[@Cara96]

@@lauraburroughs226 watch Cold Mountain if you like this music.

[@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.

[@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!

[@conservativemovement]

Wow. Gorgeous, stunning, and convicting. Thank you.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thank you so much!

[@juliawitt3813]

Anyone with a drop of Irish DNA will resonate with this music. The hard lives lived are virtually unimaginable such a short time later. ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So true. We appreciate you tuning in!

[@Warpipes1000]

Scottish & Ulser Protestant Heritage...

[@369thegoosedrankwine1]

❤

[@larryschmid3834]

O heard this as a child and still love it. It brings tears.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad it struck a chord with you and brings back good memories. We appreciate you tuning in.

[@vjhamilton4043]

Brought tears to my eyes and shivers up my spine. Wondrous.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree. Same reaction the first time I heard this song, even though I had heard other shape note singing over the years. Glad it had meaning for you, too.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad this struck a chord with you. It certainly is a powerful tune. Thanks for joining us.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Abishai919]

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

[@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?

[@kimranson4775]

I am so glad i found this channel. According to my grandmother, now deceased, i had ancestors who were some of the first to travel over the Appalachia Mountains. Family was of Irish/Scottish descent.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Many came in through Philadelphia and down the Appalachian chain to parts south. Big waves of imigration from Scotland and Ireland. You have a strong heritage for sure.

[@carolmcln5028]

I found a video on YT of an Appalachian Orthodox Church doing a traditional orthodox Easter chant in this style. It was amazing!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds neat. Glad this sparked your interest and we appreciate you watching!

[@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!

[@haginsf6391]

I was born in Kentucky, but grew up in Northern Indiana as a preteen. This bring back memories of church singing from When I was younger in Kentucky.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad to hear it brings back good memories. Thanks for tuning in!

[@MsLighthorse]

This reminds me of the little church (school during the day) that my family went to in Kellyview, Virginia. I’ve been gone many years now but when I do go back the mountains cradle my soul and I feel safe.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats great to hear. We're glad to know you connected with the video and it brought back good memories.

[@renafielding945]

I am a baptized orthodox Christian and a tiny Old Regular Baptist church is about a quarter mile up the road. I am going to their business meeting once a month to hear this singing and I know I can’t be one of them but I surely do love them. They have been my good neighbors for the thirty years I have lived here.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thats wonderful. So glad to hear you've found a place to listen to the music and enjoy it. We appreciate you tuning in!

[@romulig4936]

Thank you for sharing this history with us. Another gem that continues to shine in the present.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We're happy to hear that you enjoyed the episode and we appreciate you joining us.

[@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.

[@sharonwebster4765]

Brings back such sweet memories of my childhood ! We went to several different churches and each church we went to, you could even fill the Holy Ghost in their singing ! Blessings !!! 🙏❤️🔥

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sharon, thanks for sharing your story and memories with us. Glad the video brought bak good memories.

[@MissouriPenny]

Enjoyed replay thanks for sharing your channel 😀 👍🏼

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed

[@pennybrogers8093]

Growing up in a Hardshell Baptist Church in Georgia, this is the sound of home. It takes me back to Sunday dinner at Grandma's.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Wonderful to hear. We're happy to know it brings back good memories.

[@hartgetzen7867]

Exquisitely beautiful images and singing. Thank you for posting this!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks you for the compliment. So glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching.

[@canalinativo____2024]

This is one of the most beautiful and hauting songs.

[@scottallen6062]

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

[@EastTexasRanching]

I have never heard that style of music. That was absolutely beautiful.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in with us.

[@barbarafritsche1686]

How beautiful the soul sings. Thank you.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening

[@ernestbermudez8326]

I'm not from USA, I'm from Colombia. This brings great emotion to my heart and tears to my eyes. So music can be really universal and touch minds and hearts from other corners of the globe, as this beautiful theme has touched mines. God bless

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad to have you along. As you say, music can span cultures and resonate wih folks simply from its own power. So glad you tuned in with us.

[@ernestbermudez8326]

thanks for your kind message. Greetings from Colombia

[@WilliamCoffey-jb1cd]

Its haunting but beautiful, ive never heard this type of music or singing before.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it and nice to know we can share things with folks that they have not heard or seen before. We appreciate you watching.

[@jenniferevans4874]

That was truly beautiful and moved me to tears . Thank you for sharing this with the world. 🙏

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are welcome and so glad to know how much you enjoyed it Thanks for 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.

[@barbarahuff117]

Good, good show and notes. Beautiful.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for tuning in.

[@SuperChicken666]

When I was a kid, in the 60s, I attended a little one-room church in rural South Mississippi. It's still there, though I doubt if any of the current congregation can remember anything or anyone from that time. Anyway, Old Aunt Susie (She would have to be 130 today) played the piano and the little congregation did the best they could, but despite their enthusiasm, they never manifested such an amazing sound as we hear in this video. I would like to think that this music formed spontaneously as inspired by the Holy Spirit, if such a thing exists, but I suspect it required a talented leader and organizer to facilitate singers and songs such as this.😊❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There were traveling singing schools that taught it and the two books that were published by the competeing folks were spread far and wide. I went to a college that had a summer program on traditinal music and we all tried to learn how to sing the shape note tunes together. In a big auditorium when we finally would hit it right it was amazing.

[@greendotscott5038]

Such a thing not only exists, it's inside each and every one of us. Jesus Christ was and is our one and only God in heaven.

[@Yomi-san]

I’m not religeous but it’s beautiful to hear a group of human beings sing so.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Agreed. It is powerful in many context. Thanks for tuning in.

[@greendotscott5038]

Religious people killed Jesus. You don't have to be religious to believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. 🤟

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

I'm not religious either, but this music touches my soul.

[@greendotscott5038]

@@parkerbrown-nesbit1747 religious people killed Jesus. I'm a Trinity believing God fearing Christian. ✌️😉

[@ooshta]

This was beautiful. Thank you and may God our heavenly father continue to bless you and them. In Jesus (Yeshua) name amen 🙏 ✝️❤.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We appreciate your words of support and encouragement and thank you for getting in touch.

[@rdenham4250]

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.

[@rita1259-y5c]

Mine too! Same era.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

The hymnals in our church have shape notes, and call them out as such. I had no idea what they are for.

[@rdenham4250]

@@TehButterflyEffect Wikipedia: The idea behind shape notes is that the parts of a vocal work can be learned more quickly and easily if the music is printed in shapes that match up with the solfège syllables with which the notes of the musical scale are sung. The C major scale in shape notes A skilled singer experienced in a shape note tradition has developed a fluent triple mental association, which links a note of the scale, a shape, and a syllable. This association can be used to help in reading the music. When a song is first sung by a shape note group, they normally sing the syllables (reading them from the shapes) to solidify their command over the notes. Next, they sing the same notes to the words of the music. The syllables and notes of a shape note system are relative rather than absolute; they depend on the key of the piece. The first note of a major key always has the triangular Fa note, followed (ascending) by Sol, La, etc. The first note of a minor key is always La, followed by Mi, Fa, etc.

[@j2q558]

This reminds me of my childhood in Kentucky.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So happy to hear it brings back good memories. Thanks for joining in.

[@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!

[@Xaforn]

Reminds me of the old storytelling country music I enjoy. My bf is from rural Appalachia, what a history.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We appreciate you watching. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kitwalker520]

Thank you - tears in eyes for the beauty

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We are thrilled to hear you liked the episode. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Wildhorseranchdeeth]

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.”

[@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.

[@Torreya]

In the 1970s I was part of a performance group in Los Angeles that did all kinds of American folk dance and music, and we learned some shape note hymns. Singing those wonderful harmonies -- tenors, altos, sopranos, and bass -- was one of my favorite experiences. Then, many years later while researching my genealogy, I discovered that my 3rd great-grandfather is Benjamin Franklin White, one of the authors of The Original Sacred Harp songbook. What a God-shot!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

I can imagine! Its amazing how things connect in our lives. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Where I would like To Be: "Shape Note Singing" in Appalachia. My grandparents came from Ireland and Hungary, the Irish one went to veterinary school in IL (and all 4 brothers did, all together of course) and the other went to the coal mines in PA coming to America. Love this music, for when you had no instruments but voices and a choir that could soar.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Sounds like a fascinating family with lots of stories to tell. Hopefully someone has written or recorded some of them. We appreciate you sharing a bit of your family's history.

[@CatherineSTodd]

@@thefaceofappalachia : yes, my uncle thankfully did before he passed. Thanks.

[@CatherineSTodd]

​@@thefaceofappalachia : yes, my uncle thankfully did before he passed, but mostly about growing up with my Irish grandfather as a vetrinarian. I only remember a few stories directly from my grandfather and grandmother growing up in Iowa on a farm... wish I had written them down. Hope everyone does before they are "lost to memory." Thanks.

[@joshuaperkins9916]

I definitely enjoyed this and experience good chills from it as well. It has a lose, emotional free spirit with the harmony. It kind of plots between the more organized harmony singing and the old way of singing style ‘line out’ originally from England and Scotland, that still survives today to some extent on both sides of the Atlantic. Thanks for the video:)

[@thefaceofappalachia]

And thanks to you for watching and sharing your insights. We're glad you enjoyed the video!

[@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.

[@oceansams5886]

I love shape note singing. It's hauntingly beautiful

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We agree. Thanks for tuning in.

[@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!

[@suellenjames9028]

Thank you. This music is a gift.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

You are welcome. And thank you for joining us!

[@kathycagg6531]

There is a sweet familiarity for me in this sound from time spent in my grandparent’s church in Southern Missouri back in the day . .

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad this song brought back good memories from younger years.

[@baptistnurse]

My grandmother (b. 1896) and her mother (b.1873) sang using shape notes at their little country church in TN. So did my mom (b. 1930) as a girl. I remember hearing their church sing using shape notes as a little girl in the 1960s. Fascinating!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Your family has a long history with the shape note singing and we're certainly glad you shared a bit of your family history and how this type of singing ran through your family going so far back. We appreciate you tuning in!

[@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!

[@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

[@nonnieprice5827]

So beautiful, heart felt singing . Thanks for sharing.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Thanks for listening

[@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.

[@maymellor7592]

So soothing and beautiful ❤😊

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It is powerful and effecting for sure. Thanks for tuning in.

[@rita1259-y5c]

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.

[@rita1259-y5c]

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

[@kstewart3052]

This calls to my Scots-Irish DNA!

[@thefaceofappalachia]

There is something that resonates in you when you hear this!

[@deanawade5878]

Yes

[@soulstarreiki8889]

​@@thefaceofappalachia wow, sounds like Jarlath Henderson's 'Young Edmund in the Lowlands'..

[@EVERGLOW828]

Nothing like my beautiful Appalachian mountains and the people who live nestled in the purple hills. ❤

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So true. Glad you think so as well, and we appreciate your support.

[@andrewpaglino8199]

Learn something every day ,bthe sound is beautiful, halejulah

[@thefaceofappalachia]

So glad you enjoyed the episode. Hope you'll check out some of our others. We appreciate you getting in touch.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

I love this type of deeply old acapella

[@thefaceofappalachia]

We do too. Glad we are kindred spirits.

[@LC-bb6jd]

That music takes me back to the mountains. Homesick.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad it brings back fond memories. We appreciate you joining us.

[@lightowl4345]

I think this type of music was used in the movie Cold Mountain. Thank you for sharing, it is truly inspiring.

[@thefaceofappalachia]

And thank you for watching. So glad to hear you found it inspiring.

[@Jane-b9k]

How Beautiful and Heartfelt

[@thefaceofappalachia]

It truely is and really strikes a chord deep within.

[@ronduff4325]

Wow , hauntingly awesome !

[@thefaceofappalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it an thanks for tuning in.