William E. Lightfoot (1940–2016)

Lightfoot's extensive studies of musicians and reviews have appeared in a range of publications, such as Appalachian Journal, Black Music Research Journal, Bluegrass Unlimited, North Carolina Folklore Journal, Southern Quarterly, Journal of Country Music, and The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Lightfoot's final publication, as a contributor helping to compile a list of representative Appalachian music and an essay in the special music issue of the Appalachian Journal, is notable for his discerning choices, strong personal engagement, extensive citations, and witty style-and his commentary on other lists in that issue presents a lovely connectedness to scholars and fans of Appalachian music (Lightfoot 2015). A conversation with Dr. Lightfoot could expand into the perspectives and development of a professional paper but always maintained a strong love of the human expressiveness and individuality of regional folklife and its tradition bearers, themes that also characterized his extensive fieldwork, teaching, and writing.