Bluegrass

Generally considered a variant of country music, bluegrass is a hybrid of old-time country and string-band music; British folk songs; improvisation and syncopation, reflecting the influence of blues and jazz; and a wide variety of popular commercial music. Although frequently considered “mountain music,” bluegrass was created by Bill Monroe in Rosine, Kentucky – far from the hills of Appalachia. Key instruments in the genre include the mandolin and the 5-string banjo.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.

Title:
 Faded Love | Digital Traditions
Faded Love | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

A blue grass song sung by Al Wall, from the album Sugar Hill - Remembering Bob Wills. (Written by Bob and John Wills)
Goin' To Rocky Island Audio Transcripts
Goin' To Rocky Island Audio Transcripts

Document

PRODUCED BY Old Homestead Records, 1984. Bill Wells - rhythm guitar & lead vocals. Born in Cromona, Kentucky, Wells and his family moved to Norton, Virginia, when Bill was six months old. At the age...
 Her First Concert | Digital Traditions
Her First Concert | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

Recorded in 2003 in Columbia, South Carolina. Ahrens discusses the influence a Flatt & Scruggs concert had on her interest in bluegrass music.
Larry Klein Photos | Digital Traditions
Larry Klein Photos | Digital Traditions

Photo

Grades: Higher Education

Larry Klein has been host of the SC Educational Radio program “The Bluegrass Sound” since 1989. Working with the show’s creator and producer, Clarence Dreher, Dr. Klein has faithfully compiled hour...