Sorry, I just couldn't help to reply to this that I stumbled upon. Of course I was doing a query on Hazel Dickens which I absolutely LOVE! Her voice has been dubbed as 'high lonesome'. To me, being from the hills of Tennessee and the Appalachian region, I just call it singin'. Didn't bluegrass really orginate from the hill folk? It was songs passed down or just made up about life and might I add boredom!It's not so much about the 'prettiness' sort of speak, but the pitch and feelings. (Just my opinion here, and we all know about them!) Today's bluegrass has, to me, gone in a different direction, or maybe it's just as simple as the appalachian style folk/ballad/bluegrass and today's mix. Anyways, thanks and was great to read so many still listen and love Hazel. I would love to see this woman before one of leaves here.