Jean Ritchie was a revered American folk singer, songwriter, and Appalachian dulcimer player whose influence extended far beyond the rolling hills of her native Kentucky. Born on December 8, 1922, in Viper, Kentucky, she grew up in the Cumberland Mountains in the embrace of a family whose heritage steeped her in the rich traditions of Appalachian music. As the youngest of 14 children, Ritchie was immersed in a world where songs served as the narrative thread of daily life, and she would become one of the most prominent advocates for the preservation of Appalachian folk music.
Ritchie's music career blossomed when she moved to New York City in the 1940s, becoming a prominent figure in the American folk music revival. Her pure voice and authentic delivery resonated with audiences, bringing the haunting melodies of the mountains to wider appreciation. Over the years, Ritchie's discography grew to include seminal works such as "Mountain Ballads," which captured the raw beauty of regional storytelling, and "Mountain Hearth & Home," which celebrated the domestic traditions of her rural upbringing. Her instructional record, "The Appalachian Dulcimer: An Instructional Record," was critical in popularizing the instrument outside the Appalachian region. Unwavering in her commitment to tradition, Ritchie's extensive collection of albums, including "Jean Ritchie: Ballads from her Appalachian Family Tradition," serve as a vital conduit through which the soul of American folk music is understood and savored. Jean Ritchie passed away on June 1, 2015, leaving an indelible legacy in the tapestry of American music as one of its most treasured guardians.
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