Western North Carolina: Culture Hearth of Bluegrass Music

Abstract

This study explores the long-debated question concerning the geographic origins of bluegrass music. Using the Sauerian culture hearth concept, western North Carolina is identified as the source area for the distinguishing elements of the bluegrass sound. Western North Carolinians pioneered the innovative instrumental sounds of bluegrass on the five-string banjo, fiddle, and guitar as well as the harmonies and repertoire of bluegrass vocals. A music culture infrastructure emerged in western North Carolina based on a network of local musicians and social institutions, including fiddle contests, music festivals, radio stations, and recording studios.