Jean Ritchie

American folk singer and songwriter

Jean Ritchie - American folk singer and songwriter
Born

December 8th, 1922
102 years ago

Died

June 1st, 2015
9 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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