Appalachia




Nimrod Workman
Highlander Workshop, 1972
Photographer: Doug Yarrow


Nimrod Workman, a retired West Virginia coal miner, shown here in his eighties, sings to workshop participants ancient ballads and Old Regular Baptist long-meter hymns side by side with his original satires and laments like "Watergate Boogie" and "Black Lung Blues." In these workshops younger people would contribute contemporary song and stories, as well as ideas about problems and solutions.


Two powerful women songwriters from the coalfields. Hazel Dickens helps Florence Reece celebrate her 85th birthday at Highlander. Florence wrote "Which Side Are You On" during the organizing days of the miners union in Harlan County in the 1930s. Hazel, who grew up in West Virginia, has written and recorded dozens of great songs. Both have been important models for younger musicians, women and men.

 




Hazel Dickens & Florence Reece
Photographer: Gary Hamilton





Dance
Carcassone, Kentucky, late 1960s
Photographer: Phil Primack


There has been a renaissance of interest in Appalachian culture fostered by such institutions as Foxfire, Appalshop in Kentucky, Appalachian studies programs at regional colleges -- and reflected in the increased popularity of country music.

It is good to remember that it is a culture of resistance as well as lament and celebration.



Appalachia : Page 4 of 4

Home | Sea Islands | Civil Rights | Appalachia | Resources

Originally designed by UCR / California Museum of Photography