Music often carries great cultural significance, so it is no surprise that the Adirondacks have their own rich and educational music history. Just like the slaves who used music as an escape after a long day of working in the fields, Adirondack folk music was born from loggers, singing and dancing after a day of work in the woods. These folk songs provided entertainment for the loggers and were mediums for them to express their emotion. As explained in the Lynn Woods article, the Adirondack folk songs of yesteryears provide a window into the past that is still very valuable today.
The loggers' songs often told tragic tales of the many dangers they faced. Folk ballads were most popular, long rambling stories accompanied by music. They recounted universal themes such as love, while also delving into Adirondack-specific details like log-jams. The songs are often long and unpredictable, just like the lives of the people who wrote them. Loggers did not know if they would come back safely at the end of the day, and this was reflected in their music. The Adirondack-brand of folk music is still practiced today. I attached a link to a performance by Chris Shaw that epitomizes the lively storytelling typical of Adirondack folk music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaD2Eb0qLY
Thanks for attaching this link! Folk music has always interested me, both because I love it as a music genre, and because of how deeply ingrained the aspect of community is. It's a genre born from the sense of connection that a common theme can provide. Just as it united and comforted Adirondack loggers, it unites citizens of the park today.
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