This documentary explores the lives of A.P., Sara and Maybelle Carter, starting with their childhood in Poor Valley, Virginia, and following their story through 1943, when they stopped playing and recording together. The film features rarely seen family photographs, memorabilia and archival footage that chronicles the life and music of this famous and influential trio. [...]
An assortment of traditional and original tunes from various musical genres in a virtuosic performance. Allison Kraus (vocal on Slumber My Darling and fiddle on Fisher’s Hornpipe) and James Taylor (vocal and guitar on Hard Times Come Again No More) add to the performances to make this an exceptional DVD. Mixed in with the performance [...]
An audience favorite at Sundance, THE TRUE MEANING OF PICTURES is an introduction to the work of renowned photographer Shelby Lee Adams. Born in Eastern Kentucky, Adams has devoted 30 years of his life to visiting and making portraits of families living in Appalachia.
I know I shall never forget Martin County, Kentucky, where I grew up. I recall memories of our family, friends, and Beauty, the little hamlet where I lived. Reminiscence of those long hot summer days, the colorful artistic pallet of autumn makes my heart warm, and thoughts, with slow moving pictures, fill my mind.
In the spring, it was [...]
Effie was glad the midday dishes were done. She was free to walk to Kate’s house and spend time doing nothing but engaging in idle talk about what was going on around the ridge. Sometimes it was exciting to pass on a bit of gossip that may or may not be true. Whatever she [...]
A beautiful picture somewhere in Appalachia.
Sarah and her brother, Fallon, got off the school bus and looked back as it disappeared around the curve. Then they started the long walk to their newly acquired home. It was a home, but not a house like everyone else lived in. It was a cave in the side of a small mountain [...]
June is one of the most popular months for weddings. Appalachia has many interesting customs and sayings surrounding matrimony-one being a Shivaree. A Shivaree is a loud greeting given to newlyweds on their first night home. The Shivaree starts just after dark and includes loud banging, hollering, and serenading. Putting the couple in a wheel [...]
I am from canning jars, bare feet, and Gibson Guitars
I am from steep ridges, dark hollers, and burned bridges
I am from Irises, Peonies, and Day-lilies
From fresh mown hay, Dogwoods, and red clay
I am from pulpwood cutters, truck drivers,
and homemade butter
I am from full hearts, empty pockets and hard work
I am from Jerry and [...]
Company scrip was a credit against the accrued wages of employees. In the United States, where everything in a mining camp was run, created and owned by a company, scrip provided the worker with credit when their wages had been depleted. These remote locations were cash poor. Workers had very little choice but to purchase [...]