An Interview with Joe Penland - Storyteller 2

Madison County is, without a doubt, fertile ground for traditional music. This was evident in 1916 when Cecil Sharp discovered the Wallin and Chandler families in the Laurel country who were singing in the tradition of their Scots-Irish ancestors who settled in the county a century before. This heritage is unmistakable today when the eighth generation of this family continues this musical tradition. It is an amazing place to grow up—especially if you are a musician. Joe Penland, musician, writer and storyteller, reflected on what this has meant to him and his memories of many of these musicians who are so important to those who live here.

Clogging Tradition in Madison County, North Carolina

Madison County’s place in traditional music history is not limited just to the singing and the fiddle and banjo-playing (to name just a few of the instruments), we also have claim to a place in the history of clogging here in the United States.

Traditional Music Today - Talent Grows from the Soil

Not only did Madison County musical families produce talented musicians, but it seems that the soil itself seemed to create more. Among them are Ralph Lewis, Arvil Freeman, and Roger Howell. You can catch them showcasing their talents at various venues throughout the county–Thursday night Blue Grass Jam at Zuma, or at one of the Arts Council Concerts (especially the annual March Fiddler’s Tribute), or one of the annual festivals–Bluff Mountain in June or Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival in October.