Bluegrass

Generally considered a variant of country music, bluegrass is a hybrid of old-time country and string-band music; British folk songs; improvisation and syncopation, reflecting the influence of blues and jazz; and a wide variety of popular commercial music. Although frequently considered “mountain music,” bluegrass was created by Bill Monroe in Rosine, Kentucky – far from the hills of Appalachia. Key instruments in the genre include the mandolin and the 5-string banjo.

Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.

 

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Richard Chipman Photos | Digital Traditions
Richard Chipman Photos | Digital Traditions

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Grades: Higher Education

Richard “Chip” Chipman is no stranger to folks in the world of bluegrass music. Since 1987, Chipman has owned and operated Low Country Music in Moncks Corner. The store has become a place for...
Her First Concert | Digital Traditions
Her First Concert | Digital Traditions

Audio

Grades: Higher Education

Recorded in 2003 in Columbia, South Carolina. Ahrens discusses the influence a Flatt & Scruggs concert had on her interest in bluegrass music.
Pat Ahrens Photos
Pat Ahrens Photos

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Grades: Higher Education

Pat Ahrens has dedicated over 40 years of her life to supporting South Carolina’s rich folk heritage by promoting bluegrass, old time country and gospel music. A multi-instrumentalist and skilled...
Pappy Sherrill Photos
Pappy Sherrill Photos

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Grades: Higher Education

Homer Lee "Pappy" Sherrill played his first radio show in 1928. In the 1930s, long before multi-million dollar contracts and lucrative endorsement deals, Sherrill traveled the “Kerosene Circuit.”...
Larry Klein Photos | Digital Traditions
Larry Klein Photos | Digital Traditions

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Grades: Higher Education

Larry Klein has been host of the SC Educational Radio program “The Bluegrass Sound” since 1989. Working with the show’s creator and producer, Clarence Dreher, Dr. Klein has faithfully compiled hour...
Betty McDaniel Photos | Digital Traditions
Betty McDaniel Photos | Digital Traditions

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Grades: Higher Education

Betty McDaniel is a life-long educator. She has degrees from the University of North Carolina, Clemson, and the University of South Carolina. She started her teaching career in 1974 and retired in...