Search results for

Madison County is home to a centuries old ballad singing tradition which has attracted interest for over a century. In 1916, Englishman, Cecil Sharp traveled to Western North Carolina to hear the old ballads that were no longer being freely sung in England. A new album revives this Transatlantic connection. We sat down with Thomm Jutz, singer-songwriter and co-producer of Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry, to learn more about the album and the ballad singing tradition.

This story, “Now Entering Alaska Time” is an excerpt from Waldman's recently released book, Now Entering Alaska Time. "He brings his instruments, a few fellow musicians, and his poems about surviving a plane crash (locals once called him"a walking dead man"), watching grizzlies feed in a garbage dump, and other adventures in the forty-ninth state."-The New Yorker

”My stories are true and promote good values -many about growing up on a farm in the NC Mountains with 5 sisters and one brother. I relive the stories as I tell them!”

Ray escaped the urban slums of Richmond, VA by joining the United States Army at the age of 17. As an infantryman and paratrooper, he served around the world and was awarded The Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman’s Badge, among many other decorations for his service. After 20 years, he retired and went back to school, earning his BS in Liberal Arts, MA in Public History, and EdS/EdD in Education Leadership, researching the relationship between parental behavior and African American academic success for his dissertation. During his time as an adjunct professor at Appalachian State University, his most popular courses were “The Souls of Black Folks: An Examination of African American Social Culture” and “Storytelling: Life in the Narrative,” which explored historic and contemporary uses of storytelling and oral history in America.

"Russian Jews Move to Appalachia and the American South" is a story about a family’s struggles and triumphs in immigrating to America. Chuck has appeared in numerous shows throughout the Asheville area and Jonesborough TN, telling personal stories filled with angst, drama, and a healthy dose of humor. He teaches classes on creating and telling personal stories at an Asheville area learning-in-retirement center, OLLI UNC Asheville.

Mama & the Ruckus with Melissa McKinney is one Asheville's blues powerhouse voices alongside her daughter McKinney, a soul pop artist who has been harmonizing with her mother since her Sesame Street days. This episode highlights the special bond between mother and daughter and Melissa's song "Thank God" off her recent debut self titled release, Mama & the Ruckus.

Jamie Collins is a singer-songwriter from Bristol, Tennessee, now residing in Hillsville, Virginia. The profound connection she has with listeners is rooted in her dedication to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of traditional Appalachian music that has been handed down through generations in her family. Host Amanda Bocchi interviews Jamie Collins who discusses her song “Smoke Rising” off her debut album, Enjoy Life.

For the past over 20-years, the weekly segment "Southern Appalachian Creature Feature" from The NC Fish and Wildlife Service aired on WNCW during NPR's Morning Edition. Sadly, due to various circumstances, the feature has concluded. From this interview on Dec. 27, Creature Feature host Gary Peeples helped us look back and celebrate what this popular feature has meant to so many.

Since its founding by Tim Duffy and his wife, the Music Maker Foundation, based in North Carolina, has been a voice and advocate for the basic and often struggling musician. As a part of its ongoing efforts, Music Maker is introducing a 30th-anniversary book and CD box set in February. A great way to support local and regional musicians. This interview originally aired January 5, 2024.

When it comes to higher education, Karen Taylor is an established teacher in the study of English. She also has a way with words, speaks her mind, and often makes you laugh out loud. All that makes perfect sense as to why the educator at Isothermal Community College, just released a book called Learning To Respect My Strut: My Journey As A Woman Warrior. Don't ever overlook the deep strength of a woman.