Madison County Ballad Documentary

Subject: Madison County Ballad Documentary
From: Della525
Date: 16 May 05 - 06:22 AM

Hi Folks,

I have been an avid reader of this board for quite a few years now. I think it is a great aid when researching songs. I am a ballad singer and I love coming here. I wanted to let everybody know that there is a new documentary available for downloading at www.madisoncountyproject.org. It is about the ballad singers in Madison County, NC. It show clips of Dellie Norton (my great grandmother), Dillard Chandler and some of the other older generation who are no longer with us from older documentaries filmed in the 60's and 70's by John Cohen and it also shows the "next" generation of ballad singers to be coming out of this small community such as Dee Dee Norton Buckner, Donna Ray Norton, Amanda Southerland, Melanie Rice and myself (Denise Norton O'Sullivan). It, also, has Sheila Kay Adams and Bobby McMillon on here. These are two of the people who have instrumental in carrying on the ballad tradition. They are great. I just thought that the people on this board would love to know that this is available. These songs are just such a part of our history and it is great to know that people are carrying on the tradition. Like I said I just wanted to let everyone know it is out there and get some feedback so what do you think of the documentary?

Subject: RE: Madison County Ballad Documentary
From: John Minear
Date: 16 May 05 - 07:43 AM

Denise (DELLA525), I have a big interest in the Madison County ballad traditions and singers and I'm glad to find out about this work that is happening and to find out more about the next generation of singers. I'm very glad to know that there is a "next" generation! When and where do you sing? Do you have your own website as such? How do we get to know you better? Good luck with all of your projects. My best to Bobby and Sheila. - Turtle Old Man

Subject: RE: Madison County Ballad Documentary
From: Della525
Date: 16 May 05 - 02:50 PM

Hi Turtle,

Yes, there is a new generation of ballad singers coming out of Madison County. Dellie Norton has 2 great granddaughters and a great great granddaughter, Byard Ray has a granddaughter, Sheila Kay Adams has a daughter all of whom are singing ballads.    As for where I will be singing, I am singing at the Bluff Mountain Festival on June 11 in Hot Springs. I will also be singing at the Mountain Dance & Folk Festival in Asheville the first weekend in August and at the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival at Lake Junaluska on Labor Day Weekend. I have not gotten a website up and running yet but I have an email address where people can write to me. It is [e-mail]. I have pictures posted there of me singing at various things with Sheila and some other folks. I, also, have a CD out called "Little Margaret". I love to hear that so many people love these old songs and want to hear them. Thank you for your interest and love of the music and tradition. Denise

Subject: RE: Madison County Ballad Documentary
From: Goose Gander
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 11:41 AM

Does anyone know from whom I can purchase a copy of "Madison County Project: Documenting the Sound" in DVD format? I was not able to download the film at the site, and I can't find any online retailiers who carry it.

Subject: RE: Madison County Ballad Documentary
From: Saro
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 01:01 PM

Hi Della/Denise, I have such great memories of meeting you when Moira, Carolyn and I came to sing in Marshall 2 years ago. We met at Mary Eagle's "round robin" sing. I'll certainly look at the documentary, thanks for bringing it to everyone;s attention. Please say hi to Joe Penland, Mary Eagle, Sheila and Jum, in fact anyone we may have talked to and sung with whioe we were there.
Love
Sarah