S2:E4 // Pioneering Women in Bluegrass and Old-Time

American Songcatcher

Featured in this Episode:

Jean Ritchie (:28)

Ola Belle Reed (17:48)

Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard (35:41)

Alison Krauss (55:54)

Teaser:

Her family is considered one of the wealthiest in the ballad tradition, preserving hundreds of songs from their lineage to Scotland in their home of Kentucky, and is single-handedly responsible for bringing the Appalachian dulcimer to prominence in America. Born in the mountains of North Carolina, she paved the way for both bluegrass music and old-time with her brother through their pioneering work at music parks, on the radio, and during the folk revival. They’re considered the first women to front a bluegrass band, and in their wake are generations of women thanks to their contributions. A child prodigy, she was signed to Rounder Records at 14 and now is one of the most decorated bluegrass and female musicians of all time, still turning heads today with her many collaborations.

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"Shine A Light" | Pretty Good For a Girl: Women in Bluegrass by Murphy Hicks Henry

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Source Credits:

Jean Ritchie: KET | Library of Congress | NPR

Ola Belle Reed: Blue Ridge Heritage | Arts.gov | NC Pedia | SML

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard: NY Times | Folkstreams | Official | BG Hall of Fame | Pinecone | Birthplace of Country Music

Alison Krauss: NPR | Britannica | Grammy | NY Times

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