Music is an
integral part of our local culture. 
Appalachian mountain music derives from the traditions of the immigrants
who came from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and settled in this region
following the Revolutionary War. 

The fiddle
was typically the instrument of choice among the first settlers.  The banjo was introduced to the South through
African-American slaves in the 18^th century and gained popularity in
the mountains during the 19^th century.  The fretted or mountain dulcimer originate in
the Appalachian Mountains.  It has three
or four strings and is traditionally played lying flat on the musicians
lap.  Other instruments commonly used
included the autoharp, mandolin, bass, and guitar.

The ballads
and songs are often filled with emotion, telling of relationships, daily
struggles, and tragic events.  Passed on
from generation to generation with each individual performer adding their own
unique style the same song may have several variations.

Transylvania
County has been and continues to be home to many talented musicians.  Fiddler Bill Chappell was well-known
throughout the area.  He got his start on
a gourd fiddle but later bought a Stradivarius or a less expensive imitation.  Chappell often played in, and won, fiddle
contests.  He was known to play up to
three straight days at dances “with the help of a little moonshine and seldom a
bite to eat” according to a July 29, 1999 Transylvania Times article by Tim
Barton.  Chappell knew enough tunes to
play for hours without repeating the same song.

William
Martin Chappell’s obituary states that he passed away shortly after his 100^th
birthday on January 23, 1949 but his death certificate and other information
list his birth as Christmas Day, 1847 making him 101 at the time of his death.

Photographs and
information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina
Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit
the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about
our history and see additional photographs. 
For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected] or
828-884-3151 X242.