Music in Appalachia

The origin of country music started in Appalachia. Many of the Appalachian people constructed their instruments. Music, like for all other cultures, was a way for the Appalachian people to express themselves and produce a message or a story across for people to hear. Music, also, became a means to earn a profit. Stoneman earn $5,000 at a show. This was nearly five times the amount that he earned annually. Before the expansion of country music, music usually spread through oral transmission, newspapers, and hymnbooks. Stoneman’s music was causing worry among the other Appalachian people because it was potentially corrupting the original folk music of the region. Music was also a way for the artists to discuss the problems and issues in the region. Workers rights and safety were frequently mentioned. The bringing of railroads helped spread the stories and songs of the region to other parts. This allowed for the popularity of the genre to grow. Country music was created by Appalachians and used by far greater means than entertainment. The music was used as another form of communication and storytelling. The people of Appalachia feared the corruption this evolution in music could bring but still allowed it to prosper.