"All in the Family" depicts the ties between country music and African-Americans. The mural in the Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City is modeled on original artwork by Willard Gayhart and inspired by musician Jack Tottle.
"The African-American music of the rural South provided the source for gospel, jazz, and blues, while the oft-ignored black contribution to country and hillbilly music went far beyond providing the banjo and Charley Pride...." -- Art Menius
The plucked banjo string . . . the field holler . . . the gospel spiritual . . . Each of these traditions is an element of what has made country music. Each is rooted in the African American experience, in the southern Appalachian Mountains and through the South.
To recognize the African American Roots of Bluegrass, Traditional Appalachian and Country music, the Birthplace of Country Music Association (BCMA) and YWCA Bristol are partnering to celebrate Black History Month (February).
See the BCMA display at the YWCA and test your knowledge of African American influence on music.
Learn more about the African-American roots of Country Music: CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE.
