Jean Ritchie
American folk singer and songwriter
Born
December 8th, 1922
102 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2015
10 years ago — 92 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent figure in American folk music, Ritchie contributed significantly to the preservation and popularization of traditional Appalachian music. Born in Kentucky, she began her career in the 1940s, sharing songs that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Ritchie's music often featured instruments such as the dulcimer, which she helped to revive among folk musicians. Throughout her career, she recorded numerous albums and published several songbooks, influencing generations of folk artists. Ritchie was also involved in the development of folk music education and was a beloved figure within the folk music community until her passing.
Revival of the Appalachian dulcimer
Contributed to the folk music revival in the 1960s
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