Tell me about Sherman Hammons

 Sherman Hammons (1903-1988) was an accomplished singer and fiddler, known for his traditional Appalachian style. His music is part of a rich cultural heritage, representing an ancient repertoire of the Appalachian region. Recordings of his work, such as "Sourwood Mountain" and "Christmas Morning," have been preserved and are available for public enjoyment, though they are not intended for commercial use

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. The Hammons family, to which Sherman belonged, is recognized for their musical talents and has been celebrated by the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame

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what is the traditional appalachian style of music

Traditional Appalachian music is a rich and diverse genre that has its roots in the cultural traditions of various groups, including Anglo-Celtic immigrants, African Americans, and to a lesser extent, Continental Europeans. This genre primarily emerged from the Appalachian region of the Eastern United States and is characterized by its use of specific instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, guitar, Appalachian dulcimer, and autoharp

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. The music itself is largely based on Anglo-Celtic folk ballads and instrumental dance tunes, which were brought to America by immigrants. These ballads were often sung unaccompanied, typically by women, and served as a means of preserving the cultural heritage of families. The instrumental dance tunes, on the other hand, were primarily for entertainment and social gatherings

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. Appalachian music also incorporates elements from African American music styles, including blues, which have significantly influenced its development. This blend of cultural influences has resulted in a unique musical style that has contributed to the formation of several other genres, including country music, bluegrass, and rock n' roll

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. The traditional music of Appalachia has evolved over time, with "old-time" music representing a blend of the original Anglo-Celtic traditions with parlor and vaudeville music, African-American styles, and Minstrel Show tunes. Despite changes in popularity and the commercial music industry, traditional Appalachian music has been kept alive through community events such as Fiddlers' Conventions, house parties, and back-porch jams

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. Instruments play a crucial role in defining the sound of Appalachian music. The fiddle often takes the melodic lead in old-time music, while modern bluegrass tends to feature the banjo or mandolin more prominently. Guitars are typically used for rhythm, alongside the bass, and percussion is seldom present

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. Overall, traditional Appalachian music is a testament to the cultural melting pot of the United States, showcasing the blending of various musical traditions and influences to create a distinctive and enduring genre

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Common instruments used in Appalachian music include:

• Fiddle (Violin): A stringed instrument that plays a central role in Appalachian music, often leading melodies in both old-time and bluegrass styles
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• Banjo: A key instrument in Appalachian music, known for its distinctive twang and often used to provide rhythmic and melodic patterns
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• Guitar: Introduced later into the genre, the guitar is primarily used for rhythm, accompanying the fiddle and banjo
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• Appalachian Dulcimer (Mountain Dulcimer): A fretted string instrument that is played on the lap, unique to the Appalachian region and used for melody and harmony
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• Autoharp: A stringed instrument with a series of chord bars attached to dampers, which mute all the strings other than those that form the desired chord, adding a harmonic layer to the music
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• Spoons: A percussion instrument made from two ordinary spoons held back to back and struck together, or against various parts of the body, to produce a rhythmic sound
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• Washtub Bass: A simple, homemade bass instrument made from a metal washtub, which serves as the resonator for a single string attached to a stick or pole, used to provide bass lines
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• Mountain Dulcimer: Similar to the Appalachian dulcimer, emphasizing its role in the traditional music of the region
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• Mandolin: A stringed instrument that adds a bright, percussive sound, often used in bluegrass, which is a derivative of Appalachian music
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• Psaltery: A less common, ancient instrument, included in broader discussions of Appalachian music for its historical significance
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• Washboard: A percussion instrument made from a corrugated metal washboard, played by rubbing or tapping the fingers or thimbles against it to produce sound
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These instruments reflect the cultural melting pot of Appalachia, incorporating elements from various traditions brought by immigrants and influenced by the region's history and geography

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The banjo has a rich history in Appalachian music, having been originally brought to America by enslaved Africans. Before the Civil War, the banjo was a popular instrument for both white and black musicians living in the Appalachian mountain region, often paired with the fiddle. The banjo's physical structure evolved over time, and it became widely accepted by all Southerners. Today, the two most popular banjos are the resonator banjo, often called the bluegrass banjo, and the open-back banjo, sometimes referred to as the old-time banjo. The banjo's introduction to North America during the slave trade led to its quick integration into the existing Scotch, Irish, English, and Germanic cultures of Southern Appalachia

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. The banjo's presence in the region can be traced back to the 18th century, and its influence on the development of Appalachian music has been significant. The instrument's history is intertwined with the cultural exchange and blending of musical traditions, making it a fundamental component of the distinctive sound of Appalachian music

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Some famous Appalachian musicians known for their mastery of the banjo include:

• Earl Scruggs: A pioneering figure in bluegrass music, Scruggs developed a distinctive three-finger picking style that has had a profound influence on the genre. His innovative techniques brought the banjo to the forefront of bluegrass music
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• Charlie Poole: An influential figure in early 20th-century country and old-time music, Poole's style and recordings have left a lasting impact on the banjo's role in Appalachian music
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• Snuffy Jenkins: Credited with pioneering the three-finger banjo picking style that Earl Scruggs would later popularize, Jenkins was a key figure in the development of bluegrass music
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• Raymond Fairchild: Born in Cherokee in 1939, Fairchild is known for his fast and intricate banjo playing. He has been a world-famous banjo picker since the 1970s, making significant contributions to the Appalachian music scene
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• Fiddlin' John Carson: One of the early recorded Appalachian musicians, Carson's work in the 1920s helped popularize old-time music, with the banjo playing a central role in his recordings
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• Bascom Lamar Lunsford: Known as the "Minstrel of the Appalachians," Lunsford was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of Appalachian music and culture, including the banjo
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• Dock Boggs: A prominent figure in the old-time music scene, Boggs' unique banjo playing style and haunting vocals have made him a legendary figure in Appalachian music
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These musicians have contributed significantly to the evolution and popularity of the banjo in Appalachian music, each bringing their unique styles and techniques to the instrument

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Some famous Appalachian music duos or groups include:

• The Carter Family: A renowned American folk music group that formed in the 1920s, known for their influence on country music and their contributions to the Appalachian music tradition
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• Rising Appalachia: An American Appalachian folk music group led by multi-instrumentalist sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith. Their music is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Atlanta, New Orleans, and the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia
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• Mandolin Orange: An earnest Americana duo known for their contributions to the Appalachian music genre, blending various musical influences in their work
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These duos and groups have made significant contributions to the preservation and evolution of the Appalachian music tradition, showcasing a diverse range of styles and influences within the genre

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