APP Chapter 4

Some individuals in the Appalachian region were directly impacted by music. One of these individuals was Ernest  Stoneman and his family. Stoneman was an early country singer who escaped the struggles of labor of the average Appalachian man and became famous by pursuing his dream. Despite this American Dream anecdote, not all Appalachian working men were as lucky. The rest had to use music vicariously as an escape from their real-life struggles. A culture was created during the 1920’s and 1930’s (227). People listened to music and read lyrics in public print (228). In the early phases, music was a form of entertainment and relaxation. Not long after its cultural infusion, music became comforting and dealt with political and social issues. Musicians caught on to what people like and the emotions working class Appalachians needed to relate to publicly. Thus artists used their music to connect “to the social context of the changes they and everyone else were experiencing” (229).  We see this tactic used in the modern music industry.

In current US, music plays a significant role in racial divide. There are clear stereotypes in which music belongs to what race.  There are also existing stereotypes about members of one race listening particularly to music of another race. Country, rap, pop, latino music all carry their own set of implications. This is similar to Appalachian music making implications of economic and regional status. Music proves, even now, to have the incredible power to unite people under commonalities and lifestyles but can also prove very excusive. Teens listening to disco in the 70’s or jazz in the 20’s-30’s, and now rap or screamo, is portrayed by parents as rebellious.