listening quiz Flashcards
Three little Babes
Texas Gladden. The singer sings a ballad on the theme of excessive grief keeping the dead from finding a permanent resting place.
Little Margaret
Sheila Kay Adams. traditional Appalachian ballad that captures the sad emotions associated with death and the departure of a loved one.
Coo Coo
John Snipes. A Traditional folk song from the Appalachian. The song features themes of longing, melancholy, and the beauty of nature.
Soldier’s Joy
Gid Tanner and His Skillet Lickers. A traditional Appalachian folk tune played as a fiddle tune. The title was used during the civil war to describe something the soldiers would use to escape the hardships of war (typically alcohol) (fast paced song with ups and downs)
Lazy Farmer Boy
Buster Carter and Preston Young. American folk song that reflects the storytelling tradition common in old-time music, narrating a humorous and relatable tale of a lazy farmer boy and his misadventures, providing glimpse into the everyday life of rural communities during this time period. (uses the fiddle throughout song)
Wreck of the Old 97
Vernon Dalhart. traditional American folk ballad about the southern railway train which derailed in 1903 in Virginia and one of the earliest successful country music recordings and Dalhart’s version helped popularize the genre altogether. (has a crackling in the background and uses guitar)
Single Girl, Married Girl
Sara Carter and Maybelle Carter (guitar). Traditional American folk song in old-time genre. The song portrays the societal expectations and gender roles prevalent during this time as well as the attitudes towards women (fast paced “girlllllll”)
House Carpenter
Clarence Tom Ashley. A traditional folk Ballad that’s also a British ballad. It tells the story of a carpenter seduced by a woman who is presumed dead but has returned to him, leading to his downfall which explores the themes of temptation, betrayal, and the consequences of straying from a virtuous path. (high pitched voice)
Poor Ellen Smith
Molly O’ Day. Traditional folk song about a woman who is murdered by her lover, serving as a cautionary tale, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and violence.
Caleb Meyer
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (guitar). Americana (incorporates folk, country, blues, and rock. it emphasizes storytelling) Welch’s approach to the song, with sparse instrumentation and a raw, emotional vocal delivery, captures the essence of folk and Americana music. (guitar and newer sounding–duet)
John Henry
Ed Lewis. Traditional folk ballad about John Henry who became a symbol of strength and resilience of the American working class, especially Black laborers, and his rendition has helped keep the story alive. The song has a tapping sound which represents the axe hitting the nail in the railroad.
Spike Driver Blues
John Hurt. Blues folk song that has unique fingerpicking guitar style and soulful vocals that are characteristic of Mississippi, where this song is associated in. (slower song, quieter vocals)
Down in the Valley to Pray
Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Earl Scruggs, Alison Krauss.Traditional gospel hymn reflecting themes of spiritual longing. The simplicity and heartfelt lyrics made it popular for congregations to sing, emphasizing its enduring significance in religious gatherings and communities of faith.(one guy singing, others follow)
Rocky Road
Alabama Sacred Harp Singers. Sacred Harp singing is a tradition of sacred choral music originating in the South, providing insights into the spiritual and musical practices of the communities in the south. (everyone singing at the same time)
Come All You Coal Miners
Sarah Organ Gunning. Folk song protesting against the harsh working conditions of coal miners in the South which Gunning was most likely affected by as she grew up in Eastern Kentucky.
