Cannonball Rag

neilh79

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Description

I decided to throw this out as a tribute more than anything to 3 of my favourite guitarists of all time, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.

Although Merle Travis made this tune famous there is doubt as to when it was actually written, I have seen a theory that it may have been as early as 1905 so I am assuming this classes as a public domain piece.

I have played around with this tune for a couple of years and this is my arrangement of it.

I am not anywhere near the standard of the above mentioned guys but this is a masterpiece and all have played arrangements of it.

I really hope you enjoy what I have attempted here, please be gentle with the feedback!

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Lyrics

Instrumental

Song Stats

Hits: 1887
Comments: 79
Fans: 34
Plays: 167
Downloads: 34
Votes: 0
Uploaded: Jun 18, 2011 - 07:07:13 AM
Last Updated: Jun 18, 2011 - 07:07:13 AM Last Played: May 20, 2013 - 12:37:47 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Song Actions

Hardware:

Tracktion v2

Software:

Just me and the Takamine

Comments

gadzooks	gadzooks said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag Nice pickin' man ... I can hear the Chet influence. One of my favorite albums is Chet and Mark Knopfler. Anyhow, nice warm smooth tone you're getting in the mix. I love that ending ... very cool with the harmonic pings... thumbs up! Check out my latest song called Song of Life

neilh79	neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Gadzooks Thanks very much for dropping by. I love Chet Atkins and that you can tell there is an influence I take as good praise. The ending is great fun lol Glad you liked it. Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

alackbass	alackbass said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag Nicely played and an equally nice arrangement. Check out my latest song called Just Ain't Worth a Song (2 Track)

neilh79	neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Andrew Thanks so much for the listen and comment it is always appreciated Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

hackneybloke

hackneybloke said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)

c-rag
hi neil. i wish i could play like that.....i mean i'm not even half the standard you're at. gentle with the feedback? what? this is macjams.....take no prisoners! ha....you did well on the ending...that was cool. and if you want to know about honest comments.....check this out.http://www.macjams.com/song/68470
scroll down to gamborg's comment....hilarious....and vic's response too. this place is better than EastEnders.

Check out my latest song called Every People Know w/Rok41, KTB, Scofugate & Sisters

neilh79

neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)

Julian
Having heard your stuff, I dont think you can claim to be worse than me. Its just a lot of practice playing it that I can kind of make it pass as listenable. I saw the thread the first time round and Eastenders could never think up anything that good lol. Thanks for the listen and comment really glad you enjoyed it

Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

magnatone	magnatone said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag that is some seriously excellent picking neil! Check out my latest song called Blind Love (Seeing Heart) - Orchestral Version

neilh79	neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Karen Thankyou so much really nice praise I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

tokai	tokai said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Rag time. Sweet playing going on. Great sound from the Takamine, love the trill at the ending. Did you use a click track to record this? Check out my latest song called yucatec

neilh79

neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)

Steve
Thanks so much for the listen, I didnt use a click track (is it obvious?!!). I prefer to play this sort of stuff from the heart with a gentle nod of the head to hopefully keep a good time! Glad you liked it. Oh and I though it was Ragtime too but if Merle says its bluegrass who am I to argue!

Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

lavalamp	lavalamp said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	wow Such sensational playing. Good stuff my friend. Wish I were that good. LL Check out my latest song called A Funky Little Thing

neilh79	neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Dave Thanks so much for the comment appreciate you dropping in and listening and glad you enjoyed it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

shavingronaldscar	shavingronaldscar said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	solid! Wicked technique, you really speak with the instrument! Good smoking music, makes me feel like I'm best friends with the cig. Check out my latest song called A Rubber Ball's Day Off

neilh79	neilh79 said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Joachim Thanks so much for the listen, really glad you like my attempt at this cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

bronco	bronco said 704 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Three of the Greats Like you I have greatly admired the Merle, Chet and Jerry trio. Talent that has been largely overlooked. I am glad you decided to record and post this. It is a classic that I enjoy each time I hear it. Your version was quite original I thought and you put a lot of your own thing in there. Nicely done my friend. Check out my latest song called Which Way Is Up?

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Bronco Thankyou very much for dropping by, I struggle to believe that some people haven't even heard of these guys, their music is iconic and they created a style. Really glad you liked it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

J_Gretch	J_Gretch said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag Aww man...that really hit the spot!!Love your finger-picking style.....Wish the recording was mixed a little louder,,,so I could turn it up. Check out my latest song called Psycho

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	J Hey man, I didnt dare turn it up any louder as I really didnt want clipping or too much background hiss. Download it and throw it into your DAW and turn it up that way lol. Really glad you dug the picking cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

drakonis	drakonis said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	love it Gorgeous piece, beautifully played & recorded, wow. Check out my latest song called Belle Aire (for Mandolin Orchestra)

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Eduard Thankyou so much for the listen and compliment its really appreciated glad you liked it! Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

RAVENS	RAVENS said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Terrific Oh man, I wish I could play guitar. I had one once, my ex hid it from me, didn't find it until a year later, haha. True story too! Awesome playing, Neil. RAVEN ;-) Check out my latest song called Tattooed Scars (w/ Sigmund, Scofugate, Rok41)

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Dani So you never any good at hide and seek then!! I love fingerstyle guitar it is so much fun! You should take the guitar up, you will never look back. Thanks for the listen so glad you liked it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Mosaica	Mosaica said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Nice pickin' I'm glad I "picked" this from the list lol! I too wish it were louder, but see why not from your comments to someone else on this page. Check out my latest song called Stride La Vampa

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Mosaica Thankyou very much for you kind comment I appreciate it glad you like it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

H3nry	H3nry said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Cannonball Great picking! There are some sly references to Chet in particular, but you made this one your own. And yeah, I'm gonna download it, run it thru a limiter, and chop off the low frequency thumps. Then it goes on the iPod. You play it as a rag, the way it was originally. Luvvit! Check out my latest song called Mic check

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	Henry Really glad you like it, glad you downloaded it. There are a few thumps but didnt know that was due to low frequency! How does that work?? Thanks for the comment Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

finkeldink	finkeldink said 703 days ago (June 18th, 2011)
	great picking There's something that I have a difficult time with. Sounds like you've really mastered chicken picking Neil. Very impressive work my friend. I think its great! Check out my latest song called The Trader (Curtain Call- with Loob and egodays)

neilh79	neilh79 said 703 days ago (June 19th, 2011)
	Mike Thanks for dropping in! Not a clue what chicken picking is but sounds like fun! Really glad you enjoyed it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

jdholliday	jdholliday said 703 days ago (June 19th, 2011)
	well done Neil! very cool! Check out my latest song called Please Help, Pride of NYC needs tracks!

neilh79	neilh79 said 702 days ago (June 19th, 2011)
	James Thanks very much for the stop and listen, glad you like the tune Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 703 days ago (June 19th, 2011)
	You got it guvn'er Excellent Neil--I'm so happy you found this to lay your talents too. Keep up the fine work! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

neilh79	neilh79 said 702 days ago (June 19th, 2011)
	Michael I love this tune really glad you like it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Symphony101	Symphony101 said 702 days ago (June 20th, 2011)
	Very nice work Neil loved it ! Check out my latest song called Lonely Generation

neilh79	neilh79 said 702 days ago (June 20th, 2011)
	Yves Thankyou very much my friend!! I will probably be in touch next week lol Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Jarvoid

Jarvoid said 701 days ago (June 20th, 2011)

Right ...first off me old china...
chicken picking is where you make the strings cluck...or where you "cluck" the strings and this what you are doing here.....secondly ...do you want to buy some cheap guitars ? I think I will just wrap my towel up now and throw it in the ring...this is excellent ...I have been scouring the net
for a decent tab of this.... and having found a half decent one looked at it and said ....F**k no.....beaten and skulking back to the practice room ...great post.

Jarvoid the Ex

Check out my latest song called Cripple Creek Revised........By Jarvoid and the Banjo Bedraggled Manic Mandolin Accordion Squeezers

neilh79	neilh79 said 701 days ago (June 20th, 2011)
	Jarvo... So do we just mean muted fingerpicking? Its a great tue to play, first time I saw it I went all dazed and confused, but break it down and its not 3 bad apart from the rolls, the diminished runs and the end! Anyway glad you liked it appreciate the time and comment. Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Jarvoid	Jarvoid said 701 days ago (June 20th, 2011)
	No not muted,it is difficult to put in words type chicken picking lessons into you tube and watch some of the lessons....it is more snapping of the fingers and hammering on and pull offs...check it out ,Sgood.....sgyerd,sgood. Check out my latest song called Cripple Creek Revised........By Jarvoid and the Banjo Bedraggled Manic Mandolin Accordion Squeezers

KCsGROOVE	KCsGROOVE said 701 days ago (June 21st, 2011)
	really good fingerpicking here! :-) that was never my forte, lol Very much enjoyed! KC Check out my latest song called I DON'T LIKE IT

neilh79	neilh79 said 700 days ago (June 21st, 2011)
	cees thankyou again for such a nice comment really appreciate the listen cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

ramonaji	ramonaji said 699 days ago (June 22nd, 2011)
	fabulous just great!!!! Check out my latest song called Nobody Knows You (Italian Dance Remix by Andy Fox!)

neilh79	neilh79 said 699 days ago (June 23rd, 2011)
	Ramona Thankyou very much for the listen and comment really glad you liked it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

mrattue	mrattue said 699 days ago (June 22nd, 2011)
	Ragtime As i found out to my cost at one point, Ragtime is a surprising complex and difficult genre! Got a songbook and went nowhere fast with it some time back! Nice effort this, Neil, and much enjoyed. Cheers now Marc Check out my latest song called Merrily Down The Stream

neilh79	neilh79 said 699 days ago (June 23rd, 2011)
	Marc Its not easy, I have pulled my hair out many a time over the whole style, its great fun though. Glad you enjoyed it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

PaulaMunk	PaulaMunk said 698 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	Absolutely refreshing. You acquitted yourself well and I'm sure the three guitarists are smiling to hear what you've done. I can't play anything. It must be great fun to be able to that. Thank you. Check out my latest song called Alone at Christmas

neilh79	neilh79 said 698 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	Char Thsnkyou, for dropping in and commenting. I will never be in the league of those 3 but they were all awesome. Glad you liked it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

FatherTime	FatherTime said 698 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	you can play ain't no doubt about that, is there? :) You sound like you're having a lot of fun and I enjoyed this, thanks! Check out my latest song called I Can't Say

neilh79	neilh79 said 698 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	FatherTime Thankyou for the kind words, really glad you enjoyed it, cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

SISTERS	SISTERS said 697 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	scrumptious Neil - that was one helluva pleasant listen. Great hearing you put your baby thru all those paces. Listening to this puts me in a mood for Simple Pleasures, and this was one of em. Anne Check out my latest song called UNIVERSAL SONG w Astronomusic & 24 Soloists

neilh79	neilh79 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Anne Thankyou so much for the listen and kind words, especially scrumptious lol!!! Really glad you enjoyed it cheers! Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Philip18	Philip18 said 697 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	Nice picking! I like what you're doing here, Neil. Beautifully controlled but still conveying that sense of joy that these tunes have in them. You are able to put variety in there throughout the song - right up to that neat ending! Thanks for sharing it! Check out my latest song called Close to Midnight w/ alackbass, rok41, paul f. page, & KyasheMusic

neilh79	neilh79 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Philip Thanks very much for the listen, I have great fun playing this piece and I am glad that came through, glad you like it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 697 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	I Love this song- excellent version! Check out my latest song called I Could Write a Book

neilh79	neilh79 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Mark Thankyou so much for the listen and comment, glad you liked it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Llarion	Llarion said 697 days ago (June 24th, 2011)
	I didn't get the Fingerstyle gene... You did though... nice interpretation, and very solid and fluid execution! I know a bunch of guys that you would love listening to for great fingerstyle... Pete Huttlinger, Todd Hallawell, Pat Donahue, Doug Smith, Muriel Anderson, Rolly Brown, Stephen Bennett... Cool tribute, thanks!!! Check out my latest song called O, Holy Night (trad.)

neilh79	neilh79 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Phil Really glad you liked the tune the listen and comment is much appreciated. Looks like I have some listening to do!! Thanks again Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag Some fine picken. Toes are tapping and this is going to be with me the rest of the day. Nice work... Check out my latest song called What Would That Make Me?

neilh79	neilh79 said 697 days ago (June 25th, 2011)
	Russ Thankyou so much for the listen and comment its appreciated glad you enjoyed it Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

SerenaS	SerenaS said 693 days ago (June 29th, 2011)
	Gentle! There is no other way to give feedback on this pretty little arrangement. I admire your talent and don't feel qualified to compare as I don't play but I just loved it anyway - Thanks Serena Check out my latest song called Hey Ho!

neilh79	neilh79 said 693 days ago (June 29th, 2011)
	Serena Thanks so much for the listen and comment, really glad you liked it! Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Moviz	Moviz said 691 days ago (July 1st, 2011)
	Wish my fingers were as nimble as this Neil.... excellent job and a nice guitar tone.... a little like Django and the "Hot Club of France.... good one, regards M Check out my latest song called Shine Your Light

neilh79	neilh79 said 690 days ago (July 2nd, 2011)
	Mo! Thanks so much for the kind comment Mr Reinhardt is another fav of mine, thanks for the listen glad you enjoyed it! Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 691 days ago (July 1st, 2011)
	Very nice Neil, great guitar pickin' and a wonderful recording. I really like your version of this song, so well played and very much enjoyed, great stuff! Bob Check out my latest song called We Can't Let It Go

neilh79	neilh79 said 690 days ago (July 2nd, 2011)
	Bob Thankyou so much for the listen and comment means a lot that you liked it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

DWL	DWL said 689 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	Nifty picking I really liked the way you put this together and the playing is wonderful. I don't think I'll ever manage anything quite so precise! Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

neilh79	neilh79 said 688 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	Dick Thankyou very much for stopping by and having a listen, really glad you enjoyed it, cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 689 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	Cannonball Rag A fav from years ago, you played it with zest... enjoyed Check out my latest song called A Sad Goodbye (Julia's Song)

neilh79	neilh79 said 688 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	Shadow Thankyou very much, its a fav of mine really enjoy playing it and im glad you liked my version cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

867-5309	867-5309 said 688 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	jog yes i'm sure you could give those three guys runs for their money. this is pickin' heaven. 2 humble Check out my latest song called Berceuse in Ab

neilh79	neilh79 said 688 days ago (July 4th, 2011)
	Scott Thanks very much for the listen, I am nowhere near the league of these guys!! Have a look at the Chet and Jerry forum I posted a video in there! Glad you liked the rag cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

PeterB7858	PeterB7858 said 688 days ago (July 3rd, 2011)
	A fine job Hi Neil. Sorry to be late to the party. You have nothing to be ashamed of here. You do a fine job with a difficult piece. I would love to be able to pick at that standard. Enjoyed. Peter. Check out my latest song called Autumn Falling

neilh79	neilh79 said 688 days ago (July 4th, 2011)
	Peter Good to see you here and glad that you are on the mend. It is a difficult piece and I gave it the best I could, really glad you liked it cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

apb	apb said 686 days ago (July 6th, 2011)
	Marvelous playing Neil I just find the omnipresent hum and quietness of the recording is letting you down...not your playing/performance... which has a fantastic "cheeky" feel to it. Maybe you could send me a .aif of such pieces prior to posting and I can see if I can 'enhance' it a bit, send it back and see if you prefer it. Check out my latest song called Anyway

neilh79	neilh79 said 685 days ago (July 6th, 2011)
	Alan Thanks so much for the comment, I will more than likely take you up on the offer on some other pieces!! Glad you liked it otherwise, cheers... Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

Hickling_Stan	Hickling_Stan said 678 days ago (July 13th, 2011)
	Neil apologies for my tawdry lateness in getting to this one! I bet this tokk hours to nail? Amazingly I have never heard it before but when I did I think I now know where Steve Howe (Yes) got the basis for his guitar piece "The Clap" which I've known for donkeys years. hats off to your talent sir. Cheers Mark Check out my latest song called Elective Introspective

neilh79

neilh79 said 678 days ago (July 13th, 2011)

Mark
Thanks so much for dropping in, luckily I've been playing this for about 3 years so I can kind of play it now! Took about a year all in all to sort it all out and get a reasonable length arrangement I'm quite proud that I got this all done in just over an hour lol! Glad you liked it cheers

Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

davidsmith99	davidsmith99 said 632 days ago (August 29th, 2011)
	Cannonball makes a splash! good job! Check out my latest song called At the Fountain in the Plaza [piano quartet]

neilh79	neilh79 said 632 days ago (August 29th, 2011)
	David Thanks so much for dropping in appreciate the listen and comment Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

PockBluesman	PockBluesman said 631 days ago (August 29th, 2011)
	How did you? Get your big bloody sausage fingers to be that precise? Nice picking Neil don't really cover it now does it. really enjoyed very, very impressed. Check out my latest song called 20 Year Blues

neilh79	neilh79 said 631 days ago (August 29th, 2011)
	Rick Most of it is just fancy chord work and most of the action is in the right hand! Its a favourite of mine and been playing it for 3 or 4 years so just a bucket load of practice, well happy you liked it and appreciate the comment, cheers Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

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Artist Info

Name: Neil Hicks
Location: York North Yorkshire United Kingdom

Hi all!! I have been here over a year now and have learn't so much. The community on here has been very supportive. The challenges presented to me have been both musical and production and I have enjoyed (though sometimes wanted to hit my head into a... [see more]

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Bluegrass music is considered a form of American roots music with its own roots in the English, Irish and Scottish traditional music of immigrants from the British Isles (particularly the Scots-Irish immigrants of Appalachia), as well as the music of

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