The music that originated from Appalachia from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century is significant because of the oral history it provides. The oral history that the Appalachian songs provide help piece together the image of the labor struggles taking place. The music helped to unite workers and gain sympathy for the harsh conditions in which Appalachian laborers had to operate. The organizational skills of musicians and their music during these labor struggles was duly noted. For example, Ella May, an Appalachian woman, rose to prominence as a figure during a strike by the National Textile Workers Union. This was because the union militancy in her music was able to rally workers and prolong a strike. Ella May’s role in the strike also shows the way that music allowed women an entrance and route to leadership in the labor struggles. Music allowed Appalachian women to challenge the image of mountain femininity by using musical talent to rise to positions of power, specifically within labor struggles. Also, music helped to preserve traditional Appalachian culture during the labor struggles. Traditional style and ballads were combined with the labor militancy style songs. This was done because many labor militancy songs were introduced by outsiders to Appalachia and they threatened to destroy traditional Appalachian songs. So, a balance was found to satisfy the labor militants and still preserve Appalachian culture.