Cultural Preservation among Appalachian Migrants: Three Musical Case Studies

Recounts the experiences of three Appalachian migrants, Ernest Stoneman & family, J. D. Jarvis, & John Morris, who have used music as a form of cultural preservation & source of support in a new, urban environment. The Stonemans' migration to Washington, DC, & the involvement of various family members in traditional & pop music; Jarvis's time in the US Army & subsequent career as a songwriter & performer in OH; & Morris's experiences as a record collector, disk jockey, & founder of Old Homestead Records are described. It is shown how all three adapted their Appalachian heritage to fit their own needs, either directly or indirectly preserving that heritage through recording or distributing music. These examples show that, although government funding can be helpful, it is not always necessary for cultural preservation. 8 References. T. Arnold