X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Appalachian music


Down in the River to Pray

"Down in the River to Pray" (also known as "Down to the River to Pray," "Down in the Valley to Pray," "The Good Old Way," and "Come, Let Us All Go Down") is a traditional song variously described as a Christian folk hymn, an African-American spiritual, an Appalachian song, and a gospel song.

Mountain Music

Appalachian music, the traditional music of the American Appalachian Mountains region

Wallin Family

Their repertoire of Appalachian folk ballads— many of which were rooted in "Old World" ballads traceable to the British Isles— brought them to the attention of folk music enthusiasts during the American folk music revival of the 1960s.


Billy Constable

Billy Constable is an Appalachian musician from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, best known for his three-finger-picking banjo technique and his vigorous acoustic guitar leads.


see also

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Tours through the old Hensley Settlement, trips into Gap Cave, also known as Cudjo's Cave, (once used for shelter by traveling Indians and settlers), living history events, campfire programs and demonstrations of the settlers' lifestyle provide a glimpse of life in the past, Appalachian music festivals and concerts provide another view of the life in this area.