Many people don't realize that, prior to the 1940's, there was a distinct musical type called "black country" which was similar to the familiar white country music, and probably derived from the same sources. Unfortunately, there was no A.P. Carter or anyone else who was willing to devote years of his life to finding, writing down, and preserving black country music. I would guess most of it has been lost. I've never heard any of it. One of the worst things about racial discrimination was, that it devalued and degraded anything which was associated with the ethnic group that was the object of discrimination--unless, of course, like jazz, people found it erotic and exciting. As a result, most people--even African Americans--didn't think many things in their own culture were worth preserving, and those elements of the culture were lost.

Incidentally, not long ago I saw the PBS show (I think it was about two hours long) about the Carter family and how they popularized country music. It's worth seeing, for its historical value, even if you don't like that type of music.

I live right by the famous Carter Fold, where (until the past couple of years, obviously) the Carters, including June and Johnny, would make unannounced appearances at the weekly shows there. Completely, totally awesome, and I'm definitely not a country music fan. I think fans of music in general as a matter of course are obliged to appreciate things like the Carters playing an unexpected acoustic set in front of 200 locals, or seeing Dr. Ralph Stanley perform "I'll Fly Away" with his granddaughter at the county fair. Sometimes (not often) living in the sticks has a benefit or two.

jane_says (imported) wrote: Tue May 31, 2005 9:04 am I live right by the famous Carter Fold, where (until the past couple of years, obviously) the Carters, including June and Johnny, would make unannounced appearances at the weekly shows there. Completely, totally awesome, and I'm definitely not a country music fan. I think fans of music in general as a matter of course are obliged to appreciate things like the Carters playing an unexpected acoustic set in front of 200 locals, or seeing Dr. Ralph Stanley perform "I'll Fly Away" with his granddaughter at the county fair. Sometimes (not often) living in the sticks has a benefit or two.

Wow, all masters. Dr. Ralpy Stanely and the Carter Family transcend categories.