album · December 26, 1957
Children's Songs and Games From the Southern Mountains
Folkways RecordsSee this day
folkfolk rocksinger-songwriter
This 1957 album captures Ritchie's encyclopedic knowledge of Appalachian children's songs, many of which were passed down orally for generations. It highlights the distinctive sound of the Ritchie family's dulcimer playing.
- The album was recorded by Folkways Records founder Moses Asch. It features Ritchie singing and playing the mountain dulcimer, accompanied by her brother, Dr. Donald Ritchie, on guitar. The songs were collected from Ritchie's own childhood memories and from her older siblings.
- This release predates the folk revival boom of the early 1960s, positioning Ritchie as a key figure in preserving traditional music. It was reissued on CD by Smithsonian Folkways in 1997. The album was primarily aimed at children and educators, though its musical integrity appealed to folk enthusiasts.
- Ritchie learned many of these songs from her mother, who taught them to her children as part of their daily lives. The album's authenticity lies in its faithful presentation of the melodies and lyrical content of the songs. It stands as a significant document of a specific regional and familial musical tradition.
Jean Ritchie was a singer and dulcimer player from Kentucky, known for her interpretations of traditional folk songs. In 1957, she released "Children's Songs and Games From the Southern Mountains" on Folkways Records.
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