In 2007, Gary Eller held a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council to collect historically-based songs of the Snake and Salmon River region. Songs about actual Idaho people, places and events provide a unique window into the region's rich heritage. An IHC grant also was awarded in 2008 to collect songs of the Idaho panhandle. To date, Gary has found over 1000 songs related in some way to Idaho, of which about 100 predate 1910 and about 200 are historically rooted. These songs range widely and include somber event ballads, stage songs, hilarious parodies and operas. The early songs are being preserved in written and recorded forms that are accessible to present and future generations, and in public performances.

Take some time to explore the Idaho Songs Project. You'll find recordings, some sheet music, and a lot of interesting information.

-Joe-