December 9, 2009 10:54 PM
Cripple Creek - Buffy Sainte-Marie and other versions
The somewhat sad but completely wonderful part of blogging at my age is that I often find myself with a dozen open windows, wondering what I came into this room for. At 61 you find that all these scattered experiences begin to connect. You're still learning! Life is so exciting! And YouTube is an incredible part of being able to chronicle your journey.
Tonight. in recommending Cold Sassy Tree, I used the metaphor of the sweet potato vine and immediately was transported to the 60s and 70s when I memorized everything sung by Buffy Sainte-Marie. Here she is, singing Cripple Creek on Sesame Street;
But the earlier history of this song has to do with amazing banjo. Here are Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt:
And here's Billy Connolly, illustrating the Scots-Irish/Appalachia connection:
I hope you will share some of these with your own budding musicians. When Maddy was singing in the bluegrass band earlier this year (she had to give it up because of other demands) she was so surprised I knew that song - which the band members regarded with awe.
Keep feeding your children lots of different musical experiences so that if music is part of their calling, God can reveal it to you and to them. You just never know.
Posted in Mothering, Music | Permalink
Comments
At first I thought this was The Band's 'Up on Cripple Creek'. Not quite but still good! I love The Band.
Posted by: Alison | December 9, 2009 11:30 PM
Barbara,
You really have touched my heart the last two days! I truly believe in exposing all children to as many music experiences as possible. My own children were so blessed to have a grandmother who valued music lessons back in a time when we were a struggling young couple without the extra money for lessons. All four of my children were able to take piano lessons, as well as later taking other various music classes. I could not agree with you more that God will reveal to each person the gifts He has graciously given. One of my greatest joys has been to see each of my children happily using their gifts in service to others!
On another note, you chose my all-time favorite book to highlight! Growing up in rural Georgia, I can so relate to the story and characters in Cold Sassy Tree. I was thrilled when my oldest daughter was required to read it for her high school literature class, and it became her own favorite. I'm saving my copy of Cold Sassy for my granddaughter so she can read it when she gets older.....
I know this is long for a comment, and I don't expect you to post this. I just wanted to thank you for your blog and your encouragement you offer to so many mothers, grandmothers and families.
Posted by: Nana | December 10, 2009 9:41 AM
...oh how i love cold sassy...i have lived all my life (more than 60 years) outside atlanta...and olive ann was indeed one of our very own treasures...if you have not read the sequel she was writing before she died...run do not walk to your library ...or find it on line...the second book is so interesting...it contains her notes and ideas...if you have not read any of our dr ferrol sams' books ...please please do...his trilogy of a boy's growing up in rural ga is almost perfect...we southerners love our story tellers...for we all come from story telling families...that is part of who we are...i love your blog...what a blessing you are
Posted by: laney | December 10, 2009 5:03 PM
