I had the good fortune to view the Madison County Documentary film at this years Asheville Film Festival and add a resounding "huzzah" to the previous praises offered here.

The tradition of unaccompanied ballad singing is being carried forward by numerous performers around the globe.   But there is something special about hearing the songs sung by those who grew up in the culture where ballads were sung regularly in kitchens, on porches, and as lullabies for young babes.    I have been priviledged to watch the "new generation" of madison county NC ballad singers for several years and hoped that someone would record/video their singing while they are still young (late teens/twenties).   Univ of NC students Martha King and Rob Roberts have done a first rate job in the film Madison County Project.   The juxtaposition of the young singeres like Donna Ray Norton, Denise Chandler O'Shields, and Amanda ? against the black and white footage of their ancestors (including the Wallin Family, Dellie Norton, etc) is very effective.   John Cohen's is to be commended for his work in the sixties recording the Madison Co ballad singers and his commentary during the new documentary work is compelling.

I hope you are all fortunate enough to view this documentary at some point.

Don Talley
Black Mountain NC
dtalley@montreat.edu