Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 10.02 Music
Presentation #1 Title
The Philosophy of Fatalism in Appalachian Gospel Music
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Abstract: This presentation will expound upon the perpetuation of thematic concerns, such as fatalism, in gospel music in Appalachia. In a society where oral history plays such an integral part I will discuss how influential the lyrics and word choices of gospel music was, and still is, in molding and facilitating this belief system. I will provide samples of gospel music that will show how this music is both a mirror and a diary for the Appalachian people. As an educator and a licensed minister in the mountains of Appalachia my research has shown this correlation between gospel music in Appalachia and the fatalistic attitude of our people. This presentation will discuss how our mountain society developed much of their belief system through the music that captured the philosophy of fatalism in verse and song.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Vicky Evans, Instructor of English at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Licensed minister through the Church of God Denomination in Cleveland, Tennessee
The Philosophy of Fatalism in Appalachian Gospel Music
Abstract: This presentation will expound upon the perpetuation of thematic concerns, such as fatalism, in gospel music in Appalachia. In a society where oral history plays such an integral part I will discuss how influential the lyrics and word choices of gospel music was, and still is, in molding and facilitating this belief system. I will provide samples of gospel music that will show how this music is both a mirror and a diary for the Appalachian people. As an educator and a licensed minister in the mountains of Appalachia my research has shown this correlation between gospel music in Appalachia and the fatalistic attitude of our people. This presentation will discuss how our mountain society developed much of their belief system through the music that captured the philosophy of fatalism in verse and song.