Centuries-Old Appalachian Hymn Tradition Endures Across US Folk Festivals

The distinctive vocal style in country and bluegrass music, exemplified by artists like Patty Loveless, Keith Whitley, and Ricky Skaggs, traces its roots to Appalachian Primitive and Old Regular Baptist churches. This acapella tradition, characterized by unaccompanied singing often in unison across multiple octaves, was part of the upbringing of singers like Ginny Hawker, who experienced it firsthand at her grandfather's Old Mill Primitive Baptist church in Danville, Virginia. Unlike the more formal Methodist services with choirs and instruments, these church gatherings had no choir, leader, or printed hymn orders, and often featured a call-and-response singing style. The deep emotional resonance of this singing style, with its bending and gliding melodies, connects modern bluegrass music to these centuries-old Appalachian hymn traditions. This cultural heritage continues to influence and soothe listeners today, preserving a unique musical expression born from these rural church communities.