Table of Contents
George Higgs and the Bull City Blues
Music History from Colonization to the 1920s
State song: "The Old North State"
Tommy Jarrell and Round Peak Music
Additional Resources:
North Carolina has a rich musical tradition. Some of its many music resources include:
North Carolina Symphony
Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony is a vital and honored component of North Carolina's cultural life. This site offers access to North Carolina Symphony performance schedules, tickets, the North Carolina Symphony blog, podcasts, photographs and historical information about the symphony.
https://www.ncsymphony.org/
Madison County Project
This joint project of the University of North Carolina and Davenport Films examines how outside interest from folklorists, filmmakers, and photographers as well as the "power of community and family have worked together to continue" the tradition of unaccompanied ballad singing in rural Madison County, North Carolina.
A Singing Stream: A Black Family Chronicle
With interviews and stories, and scenes from daily life, reunions, gospel concerts, and church services, this film traces the history of the gifted African-American Landis family of Granville County, North Carolina, over the lifetime of its oldest surviving member, 86-year-old Mrs. Bertha M. Landis. Features performances by her sons' gospel quartet The Golden Echoes.
https://www.folkstreams.net/films
Indie Music
The Triangle has long been considered to be one of the hippest areas in the country; there is no shortage of musical talent and adoring, loyal fans. Thanks to the Cat's Cradle and Merge Records, among others, the independent music scene has flourished here.
https://www.northcarolinatravels.com/
http://www.furious.com/perfect/nc-punk.html
Old-Time Music
North Carolina is known particularly for its tradition of old-time music, and many recordings were made in the early 20th century by folk song collector Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Appalachian old-time was a major influence on other musical styles like country and bluegrass.
https://www.oldtimeherald.org/
Jazz
Bio-bibliography and research guide on jazz musicians from the Tar Heel State. Included are major 20th century jazz figures (John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone), forgotten sidemen, unknown early musicians and band leaders, contemporary recording artists, and jazz educators.
https://library.unca.edu/c.php?g=291460&p=1941556
Famous North Carolina musicians include:
Carol Brice [1918-1985] Contralto
Shirley Caesar [1938- ] "Baby Shirley, the Gospel Singer"
George Clinton [1941- ] Rhythm & Blues/Funk Songwriter, Singer and Bandleader
John Coltrane [1926-1967] Jazz Saxophonist
Libba Cotten [circa 1895-1987] Folk Singer
Charlie Daniels [1936- ] Singer/Songwriter
Mary Cardwell Dawson [1894-1962] Opera Director
Donna Fargo [1949- ] Country Singer/Songwriter
Roberta Flack [1940- ] Singer/Pianist
"Blind Boy" Fuller [1908-1941] Bluesman
Kay Kyser [1906-1985] Bandleader
Clyde McPhatter [1933-1972] Rhythm & Blues Singer
Ronnie Milsap [1944- ] Country Singer
Thelonious Monk [1917-1982] Jazz Pianist
Earl Scruggs [1924- ] Bluegrass Guitarist/Bandleader
Nina Simone [1935-2003] Soul Singer
James Taylor [1948- ] Singer/Songwriter
Randy Travis [1959- ] Country Singer/Songwriter
Doc [1923- ] and Merle [1949-1985] Watson Country Singers/Guitarists
Mary Lou Williams [1910 - 1981] Jazz pianist and composer