A HAUNTING VOICE FROM THE APPALACHIAN HILLS: Shape Note Singing that Lifts the Soul. FOA Ep. 3

Shape note singing is a way of reading music used to teach groups of folks how to sing who could not read traditional music scores. It was taught in traveling music schools and was used widely in Appalachia and popularized with the publication of books released in the mid-1800s. I read from a conversation from my book, Hands in Harmony, that I had with musician friend Laura Boosinger about shape note singing.

We'll hear the haunting acapella rendition of Idumea, by the Christian Harmony singers featuring Jerry Israel. It brings chills up the back of my neck every time I hear it. This tune is on my friend Sheila Kay Adams CD, "All The Other Fine Things," and is included on the music CD with my book, Hands in Harmony: Traditional Crafts and Music in Appalachia.

While this powerful and haunting shape note song unfolds you will see photographs from my books, The Face of Appalachia: Portraits from the Mountain Farm, On Earth’s Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs, and Hands in Harmony as well as unpublished work from the past 40 years. Be sure to check out our other videos and books at barnwellphoto.com


For more information on songs and acapella ballads by the amazing Sheila Kay Adams check out the following link:

Sheila Kay Adams – Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (blueridgeheritage.com) https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/art...

To learn more about the multitalented Laura Boosinger visit:

Laura Boosinger – Music of the Southern Mountains https://lauraboosinger.com