• My God Aren't These 19... - I made this film in 1965 in the mountains of North Carolina. It now has more than 7 million views on RU-vid and so many of my subscribers asked me to return to the North Carolina mountains 58 years later. I have done that and here is a clip from a movie made by the people who brought me back to present my film and visit the very room where I filmed my clog dance scene. It is the home of Bascom Lamar Lunsford.
I made my 1965 film in and around Madison County, North Carolina, a picturesque and rural county located in the western part of North Carolina, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Madison County was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. The area has a long history, with Native American inhabitants dating back thousands of years before European settlement. European settlers, mainly of Scottish, Irish, and English descent, began arriving in the late 18th century.
During the Civil War, Madison County was divided with some for the South - some for the North, with residents holding differing allegiances. The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with tobacco and other crops being significant contributors. In the 20th century, Madison County saw improvements in infrastructure and transportation, which facilitated access to the area.
Madison County is known for its traditional mountain music, dance, and crafts. Bluegrass and old-time music are an integral part of the local culture. The annual Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival celebrates this musical heritage.
The county also has a strong tradition of Appalachian folk dance, including clogging and square dancing.
The poverty rate in the county has been higher than the national average. The county's economy has historically relied on agriculture, which can be susceptible to economic fluctuations. Efforts have been made to diversify the local economy and provide economic opportunities for residents.
Mountain music & dance is an essential part of Madison County's cultural identity. It includes genres like old-time and bluegrass music, featuring instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and guitar.
Bascom Lamar Lunsford (1882-1973), the “star” of my documentary, was a prominent American folklorist, musician, and performer known for his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional Appalachian music and culture. Bascom Lamar Lunsford was born in Mars Hill, Madison County.
One of Lunsford's most significant contributions to mountain music and culture was his dedication to collecting and preserving traditional folk songs and tunes. He traveled extensively throughout the Appalachian region, including remote mountain communities, recording and documenting the music and folklore of the people. Lunsford recognized the value of these oral traditions and worked tirelessly to ensure they were not lost to time.
In 1928, Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in Asheville, North Carolina. This festival is one of the oldest and longest-running folk festivals in the United States. It provided a platform for local musicians, dancers, and storytellers to showcase their talents and preserve the Appalachian traditions. The festival continues to this day, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Lunsford was a tireless advocate for the people of the Appalachian region and worked to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about mountain life and culture. He believed in the importance of preserving and promoting the traditional ways of life, including music, dance, and storytelling.
The extraordinary couple, Mitchell Davis, Farrah Hoffmire who brought me back for this experience, own a wonderful farm in the County called Rare Bird Farm. I thank them and Madison County Tourism Development Association, Blue Ridge Heritage Association, Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies at Mars Hill, Brandon Johnson & Troy Harrison, Donna Ray Norton, Ed Herron, Whitney Ponder, Josh Copus, and the many other community members in Madison County, NC who helped make this film possible.
2 фев 2024
