Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Diversity and Unity in Dialogue: Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
In an issue of Sing Out! published in 1960, Pete Seeger defines folk music as a “process” that “show(s) continual change, contradictions, action and interaction of opposing influences” (68). Seeger’s perspective on folk music as dialogical and process-oriented shaped not only his music but also his views on cultural interaction and exchange. Seeger enacted this dialogical philosophy on cultural production in his television series Rainbow Quest (1965-66). Having spent time in Appalachia during the 1930’s because of his father’s research interests in ethnomusicology in the region, Seeger was important for putting Appalachian music in dialogue with other American musical traditions on the show, which included episodes that placed Mississippi John Hurt alongside Hedy West and that featured Jean Ritchie with Bernice Johnson Reagon. This paper examines the history behind the show, the methodology of its production, and its philosophical and political underpinnings. Although the show was short-lived, it was notable for bringing Appalachian music into a conversation about music and national identity, and the dialogical model built on talking, listening, and participating enacted Seeger’s utopian vision for diversity and unity in dialogue.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
A documentary filmmaker and writer, Jodie Childers’ research and creative work are primarily concerned with American dissidence as expressed through cultural production. Born and raised in West Virginia, She is currently pursuing a PhD in English with a concentration in American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Diversity and Unity in Dialogue: Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest
In an issue of Sing Out! published in 1960, Pete Seeger defines folk music as a “process” that “show(s) continual change, contradictions, action and interaction of opposing influences” (68). Seeger’s perspective on folk music as dialogical and process-oriented shaped not only his music but also his views on cultural interaction and exchange. Seeger enacted this dialogical philosophy on cultural production in his television series Rainbow Quest (1965-66). Having spent time in Appalachia during the 1930’s because of his father’s research interests in ethnomusicology in the region, Seeger was important for putting Appalachian music in dialogue with other American musical traditions on the show, which included episodes that placed Mississippi John Hurt alongside Hedy West and that featured Jean Ritchie with Bernice Johnson Reagon. This paper examines the history behind the show, the methodology of its production, and its philosophical and political underpinnings. Although the show was short-lived, it was notable for bringing Appalachian music into a conversation about music and national identity, and the dialogical model built on talking, listening, and participating enacted Seeger’s utopian vision for diversity and unity in dialogue.
