I have noticed that a plurality if not a majority of the visitors to this section of Rednecromancer are coming to us from outside the United States. It would seem that most are English speaking cousins from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and even South Africa and India. Ireland doesn't seem to show up on the tracking so I can't help but think that the “unknown” category is made up of at least a few visitors from the Republic of Ireland. We are also thrilled to have readers from traditionally non-English speaking countries but those visits are as you might guess, fewer in number.
Most of these visitors seem to come by way of search engines using “hillbilly music” as their search words. Logical isn't it? But what do you seek?
Do you seek illegal MP3s of marginally famous Appalachian musicians? To be sure most of the pioneers of recorded hillbilly music are dead and they probably didn't get much remuneration for their work in the first place, but lets not make it even less for the folks who are still alive or the families of those artists who have passed. Are you looking for guitar tabs for hillbilly music? As the Wikipedia states, old-time (hillbilly music) can't really be notated. Some would say that it is a play-by-ear style. I would say it is a play-by-heart style. I have non-Appalachian friends who claim it is a play-by-genes style and that only hillbillies can play like hillbillies even though the music is so simple.
Do you come seeking an understanding of the history of hillbilly music and the culture that spawned it? I truly hope that this is the reason you find yourself here reading this post. Indeed this hillbilly music site is only an adjunct to our main Appalachian advocacy site. The goal of the Rednecromancer blogs is to give the United States and the world a better understanding of the people and the culture of Appalachia. I believe I speak for most of my fellow hillbillies who think about our position in the world when I say we feel doubly anxious. We know that the knowledge of Appalachia is obscure in the United States and in the rest of the world. More likely than not our reputation inside and outside the country is not flattering. We all know the stereotypes. Since our nation as a whole does not enjoy a very favorable reputation with the global community currently, public relations for Appalachians has become more complex. We are looked upon with derision by our fellow countrymen from both the left and the right of the political spectrum, yet that buys us little sympathy from those abroad. We are indeed an internal colony but no one seems to care.
The one export we have that is almost universally enjoyed is our music. Appalachian folk, mountain folk, old-time, hillbilly, country or country-western. Regardless of the label you place on it, it is ours and our gift to the world. Our music is the only thing we have to offer and it is the single best conduit we have for helping others understand our culture. But I fear that listening to the music is as close as most folks will ever get to us.
I have spent two months spread over four separate trips to Britain and Europe beginning in 1989. I have met many wonderful people who were all very excited to tell me that they had been or were going to visit the United States. It didn't take me long to realize that the United States consisted of New York City, Los Angles and Miami. Those three cities taken together probably constitute the Anti-Appalachia. I couldn't think of any three places on Earth that are more unlike Appalachia.
Twenty-six of my 43 years have been spent living in Appalachia. Of that time I cannot recall meeting a single person from abroad who was on holiday to Appalachia. They may have been there for their work or at university but never as a tourist. I find that fact odd given that Appalachia is fairly popular with Americans. They still want to spit on us but they love our beautiful scenery.
If you are a foreign visitor who has suffered through this post to this point you are no doubt a good global citizen and not one of the hypocrites. So I would like to appeal to your sense of interest and curiosity and make a few suggestions on resources that could provide a better understanding of Appalachia and her music and places to visit on your next trip to America.
Surprisingly the Wikipedia contains some very good information on Appalachian culture and music. I find this surprising since academic study of Appalachia is often revisionist and distorted and the population at large is generally hostile to hillbillies.
Old-Time Music (Appalachian folk music will also be redirected to this entry)
Hillbilly (the definition here is incomplete as the term is probably derived from the Scot's “billie” meaning fellow.)
You have probably already looked at the Hillbilly music site but I will list it and a few more.
Musical Traditions article on Appalachian Music
Outdoor theater is a popular entertainment in the summer months in Appalachia. Here are a number of historic outdoor dramas.
Is Blackpool your thing? Well, Appalachia can give you gaudy entertainment.
Dollywood (the most beautiful woman I have ever met)
Myrtle Beach (not in Appalachia but where all the Appalachians go on holiday aka the Redneck Rivera)
Sports and physical activity
Bridge Day (international festival of idiots)
If you have any questions about Appalachian music and Appalachian culture or would like to correspond with an actual hillbilly please send me an email.
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