Singing the Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family

by Jean Ritchie

Singing the Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family cover art

Jean Ritchie's debut album, 'Singing the Traditional Songs of Her Kentucky Mountain Family', was the first folk recording issued by Elektra Records and presents a foundational collection of Appalachian music learned directly from her family. The production is exceptionally spare, with many songs performed a cappella, which places the focus on Ritchie's clear, unadorned vocal delivery and the narrative strength of the traditional ballads. This approach cemented the album's status as a landmark document of the American folk music revival, preserving and popularizing songs that formed the bedrock of the tradition.

Genres

  • Appalachian Folk Music
  • Traditional Folk
  • Old-Time Music

Tracklist

  1. O Love Is Teasin'
  2. Jubilee
  3. Black Is the Color
  4. A Short Life of Trouble
  5. One Morning in May (aka the Nightingale)
  6. One Morning in May - Another Version
  7. Old Virginny
  8. Skin and Bones
  9. The Little Devils
  10. My Boy Willie - Version 2
  11. Hush Little Baby
  12. Gypsum Davy
  13. The Cuckoo
  14. The Cuckoo - Another Version
  15. Little Cory
  16. Keep Your Garden Clean