In Tune: A Community of Musicians

A celebration of old-time music and its history in the Mountain State.
Produced by WVPB filmmaker Russ Barbour and narrated by Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce, this new documentary examines old-time music, specifically in the hills and valleys of Appalachia, especially in the Mountain State and particularly in Clay County, home to some of West Virginia’s most distinguished practitioners.
The documentary also considers the homogenization of customs and music culture; the impact of the American Folk Revival; rediscovery of old-time musicians; the arrival of back-to-the-landers in Appalachia; growing popularity of old-time music festivals.

[@PrismRisen]

A superb video from every perspective - content, construction, audio balance, video background and foreground. A very significant living cultural experience. Thanks to ALL the performers and their mentors, and to WVPB for the production.

[@scraphappytwinmom]

My Uncle Gruder and Aunt Jennie at minute 25:43. What a joy to find this video. I am so proud to be from the heritage of Clay County!

[@scotttaylor8811]

That is kind of funny. I am a custodian trying to bring a local bluegrass act to my elementary school in WA state.

[@Bluidbirdie]

I love this and thanks for putting my daddy's picture in it..

[@waterswivel]

I'm an old-time fan from Ohio and enjoyed this greatly!

[@heatherfulmore3412]

I heard this music when I watched some old Irish movies. I heard the bagpipes too.

[@johntait491]

Good to see Bobby Taylor. He's a fine fiddler. 👍

[@rbdavisphoto]

the Dancing man on the stick was actually an instrument as an experienced user could tap out rhythms. My Grandfather had one and it was quite entertaining.

[@rogerjeffrey]

Birthplace of my father and this brings back memories.

[@kevinroberts5994]

what a great video, keepin that old music alive. I love it.

[@stephenhenion8304]

I've been down to Clifftop a couple of times... Heaven on Earth... love it and miss it.... But Damn glad I found it!!!

[@eddorvinen8193]

I play old traditional country. The roots of which came from those Appalachian musicians. Great article. Great musicians. 👍 ❤

[@uptonsavoie]

In 30:24, Lee Triplett is playing "Old Joe Clark" and not "Wild Horse" as the caption reads. These West Virginian musicians are absolutely great, and there are many more not represented here.

[@jimmymalone3494]

I enjoyed your video and thank you for sharing with us.

[@HotRod11]

One of my favorite videos on KZbin now. Thank you so much. ❤

[@paulahalfacre4783]

Really enjoyed this film. Love old time music!

[@alfredastratos4582]

Great pickin' ❤

[@msspi764]

Another reason why I'm a sustaining member of WVPB though I live in Mississippi. A lot of this traveled to places like Baltimore, DC, and Pittsburgh. I discovered this music among friends in Baltimore and in a used record store. There I found a Clark Kessinger album. The old time scene is strong there. I moved to Kentucky and now to Mississippi where I found people to play with. But the music isn't unique to West Virginia. It traveled with folk just as it does today, and it changed. Songs in one tuning or key in West Virginia are in a different one in Mississippi. Names for the same tune are different. It isn't uniquely Confederate just as it isn't uniquely Southern. But it binds people together despite their differences.

[@arctichare8185]

I kept watching for Dwight Diller. But he never showed up in the documentary.

[@michaelplumley7744]

❤this is excellent! Glad I stumbled across it

[@Stink43]

Thank you for this

[@Stink43]

41:20

[@mikedkc]

Wonderful video.

[@ianboone6032]

This is wonderful! Is there a way to watch the show that John Morris did in the 70s? I would love to see more of that as well!

[@fiddler1861]

Can I get this on a dvd for my friend?

[@philnewcomers9170]

😢too much talking especialyon agood tune ttfn&ty

[@Runescape.]

That kathy mattea seems to be a transgender. something is strange about "her". the big jawbone and deep voice. much deeper voice than any woman ive ever known. both singing and speaking.

[@jlongfellow6877]

You ought to get out more.

[@banjiegirl2001]

😂

[@stephenhenion8304]

Go play hockey, pal!!

[@bluegrasshack3810]

9/29/23: Kathy Mattea is just fine. You? Not so sure.

[@awtistiaeth4699]

What a strange comment. Hec, people are weird, and I don't mean Kathy Mattea.