Audio
J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.Digital Traditions
General - Traditional Arts
Home to a wealth of folk traditions, South Carolina is culturally and geographically diverse. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Sea Islands and from rural crossroads to urban centers, the state boasts rich sources of traditional culture and folklore. Rooted in family and community activities, folklife involves expressive forms of many kinds that are communicated verbally and by observation or imitation. Folk artists can learn through apprenticeships, but most often are taught informally by family members or close friends. This sharing of information can occur in many different group settings - familial, occupational, religious, social, and educational. Folklife is dynamic by nature, a part of a community's history that continues to develop every day, with every generation.
Digital Traditions was developed to provide access to the Folklife Resource Center (FRC) at McKissick Museum. For thirty years, deeply rooted traditions like quilting, pottery, basketry, communal foodways, and folk music have been documented through audio, video, and photography. For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
Within this Series
Audio
J.R. Wilkie, McCormick (McCormick County) realtor who was a musician prior to WWII. Interview conducted by Anne Kimzey.Photo
Mr. Charles Summer was from a small cotton mill town in Union County. His father was a master fiddler and, consequently, Charles did not even recall the first time he heard the fiddle being played. It...Audio
"Theme song" for the Grand Ol' Opry, recorded during a live performance on WELP-AM in Easley, SC. Owens was the first to play live on WELP back in 1951. He played in a group featuring his brother...Audio
A Blind Willy Johnson song. A baptist preacher and bluesman, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best slide guitar players that ever lived. Here Steve and Slick play the song as Steve learned it...Audio
A Gary Davis standard. Steve on vocals and guitar with his father Slick on bones.Audio
Written by Owens, this waltz showcases his ability to play slow tempo tunes as well as faster reels and dance numbers. Recorded at the "Fiddle Traditions" CD Release Party at the Spartanburg County...Audio
Steve McGaha discussing the African American roots of playing guitar with a slide.Photo
Brown was no stranger to sweetgrass basketmaking. She was part of a family of eight generations of basket makers, with four of those generations still practicing today. Harriet made baskets for over...Audio
Interviewed by Dale Rosengarten Florence Mazyck discusses the variety of natural materials that can be used for the baskets.