Dolly Parton's childhood home visit, personal connections and power of music, racial imbalance in HIV cases and black experiences, roots and transformation of the banjo, power of radio and life in Tennessee.
Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home holds deep nostalgia and connection to the past.
The podcast explores the interconnectedness of musical traditions across cultures, challenging simplistic notions of origins and influences.
Deep dives
Visiting Tennessee Mountain Home
The podcast episode explores the experience of visiting Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home. The hosts describe their journey to the secluded home, the dilapidated state it was in when Dolly bought the property, and the painstaking restoration process. They visit various buildings on the property, including the original house, a one-room schoolhouse, and a chapel. The hosts reflect on the significance of these buildings to Dolly's childhood and family gatherings. The visit evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.
Connections Between Home and Music
The podcast delves into the connections between the sense of home and music. The hosts speak with musician Rhiannon Giddens, who discusses the banjo's roots in West Africa and its evolution in America. They explore the history of country music and its ties to immigrant music, highlighting how different musical traditions have influenced and intertwined with one another over time. These musical connections serve as a reminder of the shared human experience and the ways in which cultures and music intersect.
The Rhyme of Different Homes
The podcast examines the personal experiences of the hosts' own homes and how they relate to Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home. The hosts share anecdotes about their own homes, including a visit to Lebanon, where one host's father grew up, and the parallels between Dolly's home and his father's. They emphasize the emotional and nostalgic aspects of homes, reflecting on the ways in which memories and family connections are intertwined with physical spaces. These stories highlight the universal longing for a sense of home and the ways in which different homes can resonate with individuals.
The Globalization of Music
The podcast explores the global nature of music and how different musical traditions have influenced one another throughout history. The hosts discuss the migration of instruments and musical styles, drawing connections between Middle Eastern and Appalachian music. They speak with music scholars who emphasize the interconnectedness of musical traditions and the constant exchange of ideas and sounds. This discussion challenges simplistic notions of musical origins and highlights the rich tapestry of influences that shape different genres of music.
In this episode, we go back up the mountain to visit Dolly’s actual Tennessee mountain home. But, can you ever go home again? Dolly tells us stories about her first trips out of the holler, and shares with us where she lives now. Back on the mountaintop, standing under the rain by the Little Pigeon River, the trip triggers memories of Jad’s first visit to his father's childhood home, and opens the gateway to dizzying stories of music and migration.
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