This channel honors the people, vibrant culture, and strong traditions of Appalachia. I have spent my life roaming the mountains of southern Appalachia where I grew up, meeting folks where they live and work, and documenting their lives and activities through photographs and stories shared. For more than 40 years these lovely people have invited me onto their farms and into their homes and I am forever humbled by their generosity, kindness, and trust. I have tried to present these proud, independent, hard-working individuals in a straightforward, dignified manner, to honor them and preserve some elements of our culture. I have been fortunate to have many of the images and oral history interviews published in book form as, The Face of Appalachia, On Earth's Furrowed Brow, and Hands in Harmony. Through this channel I will share my experiences in meeting and getting to know these fascinating people and hope you will enjoy the stories and images and learn more about these amazing folk.
Great video. Reminds me so much of the outdoor birthday dinners for my Grandpa back in the 1940s. There was an amazing amount and variety of food and a big crowd.
My parents were both raised on Big Laurel . My mom was a Capps and my dad was Norton , his father was the pastor at Ivy Ridge Church of God. I was born I. 1964 and Dr. Duck delivered me . Such a small world!
This is beautiful,❤ Mr kilpatrick is the last of the good country men that made Appalachia, he is so right out society is gone evil has took over I pray that we can get back to when God and family where the heart of community's. Thanks for sharing the ways of life that is almost gone.
Nothing odd about shape notes. The old hymnals were written with them. I learned to play piano with them. And no, the songs are not all in a minor key.
I may be kin to them my mother was a Capps from Laurel and my father was Norton from Laurel. My grandpa Norton was Kelley Norton and was the pastor at Ivy Ridge Church of God for years
I made that photograph in Madison County, NC, at Arrington Branch Baptist Church in 1982. I went back last year and photographed a similar event at same place. Check out our video on the homecoming, titled, I Will Fly Away.
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.
Oh I have heard this kind of singing from my older Irish relatives ! It’s nearly identical to how the country people use to sing ! I believe the American Appalachians are deep decedents ! ❤❤❤❤❤
Hello, so good to hear from you. I was just watching A Nest of Singing Birds: Songs and Stories from the Appalachian Mountains and was thinking about you. I hope all is well! You are both queens as far as I'm concerned. It has been an honor to get to know you a bit through your video. All the best.
Susan, you are so welcome! I hope this work does help to continue this important story. Please keep coming back to the channel. We need folks just like you.
So good to hear from you. Thanks for leaving a comment. During the process of making this video, I got to spend some time up in Sodom Laurel. It was a special experience finding some of the graves of the folks mentioned here. I have never actually seen the movie all the way through but I am bound to watch it now!
Beautiful, just beautiful…. So wonderful to see these traditions kept alive.. so hope other parts of our state can keep area/family traditions alive in these quickly changing times…
Hey, what's up? Good to hear from you again. It seems like things are changing so fast. Computers and cell phones are hastening the change for sure. It is good to stop and learn some things "Knee to Knee". It seems to stick with me better that way. It seems to hold more weight and feed my soul.
Brent, so great to hear from you. I appreciate you getting in touch and hope your family is well also. Give me a call or drop an email when you can. Love to catch up.
I have always wondered at the similarities between the two geographical areas. Even the plants seem to indicate a shared past. It is so good to hear from you. Are you a musician?
@@scottallen6062 8/15/24: Long story short. Born in the region, sprung from a long line of Scots-Irish North Carolinians. In adulthood, taught and worked in flatter areas. Grew to love bluegrass long ago, now I am published and still write about bluegrass and traditional music. That tiny picture over there is of the Bluegrass Shack. Sadly it burned to the ground years ago, caused by kids with firecrackers. Pick away! 🪕
HEY TIN MAN! So glad you like the video. I'm thankful you came by the channel for a visit. It was a privilege to get to know these people through the editing process. I am headed to the Ballad Swap this Wednesday up in Marshall.
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