These old Rainbow Quest TV Shows are a treasure trove of traditional music. Pete took the people he knew and loved and gave them exposure and gave us a record of music we'd never have if not for him. It pisses me off when folks who know nothing about Pete or what he has done for traditional music try to trash his manner or refer to "the dude with the banjo". I first saw Pete in the early sixties and last saw him at 89 years old, play a show standing up for every song.
@PHJimY Pete has lost some of his vocal and instrumental skills with age, but still communicates beautifully with his audience. A couple of years ago, just before his 90th birthday, he had the whole David Letterman audience (Not many folkies there) clapping and singing along.
Pete did a very respectable version of this song as well, but, instead of using the up-picking style, often mistakenly called Seeger-style, Pete plays it clawhammer-style. Both are great versions. Music isn`t a competition. Thanks to Pete Seeger, we have records of many of these fine old musicians.
I have just discovered the old music like this. Who else should I check out? I have some soundtracks with old music but I want some old artists similar to his guy, Doc Boggs and Doc Watson. Please give me some recommendations.
it's been a year since my last visit here, and it is still with the same pleasure i am enjoying this fine piece of art. I am from Chad in central Africa and hopefully by the same time next year Roscoe who already have won over Argentina and Chad will go international in Asia, Europe and Australia! thumbs up!
The old "High Lonesome" sound is sadly lost to us now. Stanley,Flatts and Roscoe Holcome were the last of their breed. I grew up in WV and still remember families who played these old songs together at pig roasts and the such, They all lived pretty much in poverty and little to no education, but boyhowdy they could play like the dickens .We'd be eating,drinkin shine/homebrew and singin all night long. I miss those days, and now i have to watch this on youtube instead of live.
@WillisProvidence It's not that crazy, Burroughs and Holcomb were only two years age difference between 'em. WSB was born in Missouri, and RH was born in Kentucky. Yeah, they look a lot alike. But they're two diffent animals really haha.
I have met Pete on many occasions, I went to camp in the upstate NY near where he lives and he would always come down to play for us, he is probably just focusing on the technique so he can learn how to play the songs. Whether you love him or hate him Pete Seeger is an American treasure.
Love watching Roscoe Holcomb perform. Wish there was more film of him around.
Hate how Seeger is just STARING at him like he wants to kill him. Why couldn't he at least be tapping his foot or showing some sign of appreciation of how f'king awesome his guest is.....?
@banjermaker I noticed how Pete Seeger is staring at him too...and so close! But I didn't take it as a negative thing...just that he's interested in Roscoe Holcomb's techinque. I guess if we saw the rest of the show we could get a better flavor of Pete Seeger's attitude. Anyway, Roscoe Holcomb is way cool!
@banjermaker If you watch more clips from Rainbow Quest you'll find out that it's all really awkward. Really great, but awkward. Pete is just intently watching Roscoe's technique, I think that is his way of showing his appreciation. Very awkwardly.
My dad loved this music,I guess being born and raised in Walker county Alabama in the 20's and 30's it was the only music they had.I get a goosebumps listing to it. it reminds me of the times we would be driving in his car just crusing. There was another song he loved i cant remember the name but It started out like this"In the Pines In the pines where the sun never shines"
don't know either why people are identifyign this as blues, it's appalachian folk, completely different geographical and cultural origins. anybody interesting in hearing a contemporary and organic representation of this sound should search the singer elizabeth laprelle.
@Prattinator999 Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie, and a whole lot of other white people born before 1960 were anything but racists. They and many others put their own lives on the line to fight racism. You are an ignorant jackass, and I don't care what color skin you might happen to have. Stupidity comes in all colors.
@PHJimY Christsakes almighty I'm from Alabama, you stupid empty-headed son of a bitch. I was making a sardonic response to somebody else marginalizing southern white people by implying that you could "just tell (Roscoe) was a racist". Apparently they don't manufacture common sense wherever you're from.
@JackGrider i didn't even mention 'black' (i'm assuming you mean't afro-american) people....i just said 'people'...which leads me to believe that you think that only black people get lynched...which makes you a racist by definition......hey everyone Jack's a racist!
i think i must be the only argentinian guy here. hey i love the american southern music from rocoe holcomb, ralph stanley and dock boggs to rebel meets rebel (with alan coe and the members of pantera got to listen the album with the same name) the reason because i comment this video is to show how far the music can reach when it´s made it with the soul and i want to share with you an artist just like roscoe from our traditional music "UÑA RAMOS" i hope you love it like i feel this music. adios!
@numberone1990 HEll Yea! man 100%. I live here in the American South and this is whatt i listen to. The best music made in America was made here in the south and i will check out Una Ramose
Amazing. I love his little smile after he finishes playing 'Little Birdy too'! What a wonderful voice. I adore his version of 'The Train that Carried my Girl from Town' and 'The Hills of Mexico' is stunning. I highly recommend the compilation 'An Untamed Sense of Control' on Smithsonian Folkways to anyone.
He aint got the purtiest voice I ever heard but I aint never listened to Barbara Streissand so close, I never was moved like this by Robert Plant, I never listened to every note of a song by Kiss like I listen to this man. There is somethiong beyond here that can only catch you when a man bares his soul. I never listened to no one else this close except Bill Monroe for sure. This all comes from the deeps of time and the heart of a people.
im an international student from Africa. got the chance to hear that from a link a guy posted in some shady conservative chatroom. now i cant stop watching Roscoe at least twice a week. LOL.God bless his soul!!if you like, thumbs UP!!
@alhabbo That's freakin' awesome. Kinda lets you know that, on some plane, the good guys are going to win, somehow, that the forces of old and evil are not match for the unbridled righteousness of some hot banjo pickin'.
Wow! I'm really new to this world. So many influences in this music. None more important, perhaps, than this man's life itself. Who he was, and where he was at the moment that this music was happening. Wow! Yeah, this dude sang the blues.
I suspect that the Blues is an African vocal art form, however the roll of European, and Semitic music is very prevalent in the way that The Blues evolved here. "Africans don't often care about inventing new things; they build upon and rework existing art"
@OnkelMickwald It amazes me that music could be recorded so clearly with one mic. Many of today's sound men get annoyed if you don't have a pick-up in your guitar. "What? You want to play through a mic? Why don't you have a pick-up in that guitar?"
I like how Pete Seeger studies and gives his full attention to the performer, I know his intention is good...It is good for a performer to be able to be watched while playing,its like an exercise and it strengthens a certain performance muscle...the only time I wouldn't want some one staring at me while I was playing would be if they imposed limits on what I could express and/or misinterpret the performance.
This blues by Roscoe is indeed one of the most powerful performances ever captured on film - thanks to Pete for having him on his program at a time when most "folk" music meant the Kingston Trio and their ilk! I just wish that someone would put all the fine footage of Roscoe together in one film which would permanently put Roscoe Holcomb in his proper place in the history of American vernacular music.
Notice Roscoe is using the "basic strum" on the banjo that some people think Pete invented. Pete will tell you he learned it from people like Roscoe. You'll find a lot of old time banjer pickers that use that style of playing. RIP Roscoe you were a classic.
@blurfist That's not the entire story. Black blues music uses blue notes, which have no place in the old English and celtic traditions... there is a huge influence from West African and Arabic music, as well as a degree of native American and Christian liturgical music, WHICH IS derived from Hebrew liturgical music. It is a very complex mixture of influences, and definitely NOT "black bluegrass".
@AlexisMichellePratt WRONG. Blue notes are also prevalent in English folk music. Bent or "blue notes", called in Ireland "long notes", play a vital part in Irish music and can be heard on any instrument capable of producing them.
@blurfist So, you're telling me only white people can come up with music, and black people have to copy? You think the slaves didn't have any music of their own when they came over? That's so preposterous and imperialist, it's not even worth continuing this discussion. You need to pay attention in music class, I assisted in teaching middle school students and we taught this basic lesson: Blues comes from white AND african music.
@AlexisMichellePratt Wow you are assuming so much. Did i say "black people have to copy?" I just think it's preposterous that people are only telling half the story.
The whole "black people invented the blues" story is ridiculous. "Imperialist? " hahaha..
@blurfist - I'm familiar with your argument. The Celts got down with it. The British couldn't stand all that talent! LOL. But I'm wondering about that "long note." Is there anyway to know whether it existed in Celtic music before the minstrel groups toured Europe? Of all the places that the minstrels took THEIR TAKE on African American music, it was the Celts that fell in love and embraced both the banjo, and all of the modal scales. Crazy how music gets around.
@blurfist That's not the entire story. Black blues music uses blue notes, which have no place in the old English and celtic traditions... there is a huge influence from West African and Arabic music, as well as a degree of native American and Christian liturgical music, WHICH IS derived from Hebrew liturgical music. It is a very complex mixture of influences, and definitely NOT "black bluegrass".
@thevalentinefamily Music is not a competition. Pete is not outmatched. Although they are both using the up-picking style, Pete and Roscoe have different techniques. They are different, but one isn't better than another. It's all subjective.
By the way, I'm sure I've seen John Cohen playing that same guitar with the clear weird shaped pick guard with the NLCR. Is it a OO-45?
On this show someimes he picked with guests but there is NO WAY he could keep up with Roscoe. For my money Roscoe is the greatest Appalachian musician ever. Pete knows this and just has to sit and be in awe....
ya, i was wondering if the study pete put on him affected his performance. there would have been a load of other folks in the audience to dilute it tho.
I wasn't disrespecting Roscoe or anyone on this page...I just have a VERY strong distaste for Nashville country musicians. So if I pissed anyone off then I'm sorry.
hey dio you need too shut your fucking mouth and have respect for the old timers i cant believe u would run your mouth and talk shit about the folks that made u
How does Roscoe Holcomb rank among bluegrass musicians... he was an innovator. He sang from life experiences and from the soul. He lived in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky...not in fucking Nashville.
Why do you mention Nashville? Bluegrass was born in Kentucky, thats why we call it "bluegrass" as in, "The bluegrass state." It is the Kentucky state music.
It was only played in Nashville and remains there because thats were the money is.
My musical taste is well deverse and I just got into bluegrass recently, just as I watch O brother where art thou movie. This man singing is cool, how does he rank among the blue grass performers.
I bought a DVD last week and on that I saw and hear Mister Holcomb for the first time. This music is so awesome and I don't know a word to describe his singing.
Arsenal, Roscoe had a terrible voice?? Sure could've fooled me. He never sang at the Met or Carnegie Hall but still his voice is one of the greatest in American recorded history.
This world could sure stand to have more like him! He was truly special. No one in recorded history has captured that mountain singing style quite the same as Roscoe. Tom Ashley and Jean Ritchie were great too
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
He wasn't known for his singing. It was more the fact that he had kept his hands in shape and was able to play the way he did in his younger years as he did until his death. He's sort of like the case of Libba Cotten - great musician - terrible voice!
@hellobettsy the high lonesome tone is derived from the harshness of life.of people suffering in hunger and destitution,kind of like their souls were wailing.i bet roscoes voice could carry down a hollow and through the ridges and be heard for miles.thats why i believe it is so unique!!!!
I think he is just blown away by the incredible gift that Holcomb has. I think he is studying. I have seen Old Pete many times and he is definitely not creepy, though I have never seen him looking at a musician that way.
It never ceases to amaze me though how the most annoying part of any video from Seeger's show is Seeger himself! See the Mississippi John Hurt video for another example of a great musician giving an outstanding performance in spite of Seeger's general presence.
mr.Holcomb,you indeed had the gift,and you were a gift to us also.thank god some had the foresight to record your artistry. could someone post "old smokey" by roscoe?
How'd you like to play with ole' Pete boring in on you like that? I guess you'd do what Roscoe did....look straight ahead and try your best to ignore him. Roscoe was a national treasure and a total class act!
According to John Cohen, Roscoe only learned one song from a record; the rest he learned from other people. I think most people are unaware that back in those days, poor people often didn't even have radios, no less record players, indoor plumbing or electricity in those areas. My Grandfather didn't even see a radio or Record player4 until the late fifties(when he was in his sixties). He played banjo all his life. Roscoe is the real thing.
Such a pure sound.
yarmouk334 1 month ago
great, but i think the first song is "little birdie", not "little birdy"
wasabihansen 1 month ago
These old Rainbow Quest TV Shows are a treasure trove of traditional music. Pete took the people he knew and loved and gave them exposure and gave us a record of music we'd never have if not for him. It pisses me off when folks who know nothing about Pete or what he has done for traditional music try to trash his manner or refer to "the dude with the banjo". I first saw Pete in the early sixties and last saw him at 89 years old, play a show standing up for every song.
PHJimY 2 months ago
@PHJimY Pete has lost some of his vocal and instrumental skills with age, but still communicates beautifully with his audience. A couple of years ago, just before his 90th birthday, he had the whole David Letterman audience (Not many folkies there) clapping and singing along.
PHJimY 2 months ago
Pete did a very respectable version of this song as well, but, instead of using the up-picking style, often mistakenly called Seeger-style, Pete plays it clawhammer-style. Both are great versions. Music isn`t a competition. Thanks to Pete Seeger, we have records of many of these fine old musicians.
PHJimY 3 months ago
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At 0:15 that dude is chill as fuck.
hitlerpotamus 3 months ago
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hitlerpotamus 3 months ago
Yep, my hair is standing up on my neck!
Am I dreaming.
Thanks PBS for your "give me a Banjo" program. I would never have discovered Roscoe!
thelawbruce 3 months ago
This sound is in my DNA. I don't just hear it, I completely vibrate to it.
magprob 4 months ago
I have just discovered the old music like this. Who else should I check out? I have some soundtracks with old music but I want some old artists similar to his guy, Doc Boggs and Doc Watson. Please give me some recommendations.
lizzyvance 5 months ago
it's been a year since my last visit here, and it is still with the same pleasure i am enjoying this fine piece of art. I am from Chad in central Africa and hopefully by the same time next year Roscoe who already have won over Argentina and Chad will go international in Asia, Europe and Australia! thumbs up!
alhabbo 5 months ago 2
The glorious Roscoe Holcomb. Incomparable talent.
ivycompton 5 months ago
That other dude needs to step off
nonelson 7 months ago 2
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The old "High Lonesome" sound is sadly lost to us now. Stanley,Flatts and Roscoe Holcome were the last of their breed. I grew up in WV and still remember families who played these old songs together at pig roasts and the such, They all lived pretty much in poverty and little to no education, but boyhowdy they could play like the dickens .We'd be eating,drinkin shine/homebrew and singin all night long. I miss those days, and now i have to watch this on youtube instead of live.
nukecell 9 months ago
Pete is loving this performance; that sitting position is one of listening with full-respect
jkbosh 9 months ago 3
My Brother Loves This Stufff......... WTH!! HAHA!
iPantsOnTheGround 9 months ago
awesome voice, great banjo picking,you can feel the mountains Roscoe is so natural I love his music
MrJaakow 10 months ago
Incredible voice and great genuine style. Greetings from Italy
bimbomistico 10 months ago
"and now we'll watch mr. burroughs here shoot up on horse."
cholocharile 10 months ago
@cholocharile he does look really like burroughs
Timothydlol 10 months ago
he and william s. burroughs look way too much alike
WillisProvidence 11 months ago
@WillisProvidence It's not that crazy, Burroughs and Holcomb were only two years age difference between 'em. WSB was born in Missouri, and RH was born in Kentucky. Yeah, they look a lot alike. But they're two diffent animals really haha.
MrBuk86 6 months ago
incredible
coupelikeacaravan 1 year ago
I have met Pete on many occasions, I went to camp in the upstate NY near where he lives and he would always come down to play for us, he is probably just focusing on the technique so he can learn how to play the songs. Whether you love him or hate him Pete Seeger is an American treasure.
dnfirestone 1 year ago
Never knew William Burroughs could sing the blues......
floydyopz 1 year ago
hes amazing.
BobRyderMusic 1 year ago
lord, lord, lord, be praised...
jahreverend 1 year ago
im crazy bout ol timey music HAIL< HAIL
danbolub 1 year ago
One ass hole doesn't like it..lol There is always one idiot.lol
doughboy206 1 year ago
:-)
bigd522524 1 year ago
Love watching Roscoe Holcomb perform. Wish there was more film of him around.
Hate how Seeger is just STARING at him like he wants to kill him. Why couldn't he at least be tapping his foot or showing some sign of appreciation of how f'king awesome his guest is.....?
banjermaker 1 year ago
@banjermaker I noticed how Pete Seeger is staring at him too...and so close! But I didn't take it as a negative thing...just that he's interested in Roscoe Holcomb's techinque. I guess if we saw the rest of the show we could get a better flavor of Pete Seeger's attitude. Anyway, Roscoe Holcomb is way cool!
jomoore58 1 year ago
@banjermaker If you watch more clips from Rainbow Quest you'll find out that it's all really awkward. Really great, but awkward. Pete is just intently watching Roscoe's technique, I think that is his way of showing his appreciation. Very awkwardly.
stolface 1 year ago 2
listening to musicians like roscoe, dock boggs and hasil adkins make me even prouder of being an appalachian
WVliberty 1 year ago
@WVliberty Damn Right. Born,raised and live here in NorthWest North Carolina in the Blue Ridge.
blueridger28 1 month ago
My dad loved this music,I guess being born and raised in Walker county Alabama in the 20's and 30's it was the only music they had.I get a goosebumps listing to it. it reminds me of the times we would be driving in his car just crusing. There was another song he loved i cant remember the name but It started out like this"In the Pines In the pines where the sun never shines"
merle572 1 year ago
@merle572 Where Did You Sleep Last Night
nejanes 1 year ago
@merle572 Good history of "In the Pines" (Where Did You Sleep Last Night) in Wikepedia, for starters. Yeh, goosbumps re Holcomb's voice.
ladyleesutter 1 year ago
Oh, how sweet it is to actually SEE the man perform! LOVE this!
catgivens 1 year ago
i own appalachia, yes it's true.
topholewhat0 1 year ago
don't know either why people are identifyign this as blues, it's appalachian folk, completely different geographical and cultural origins. anybody interesting in hearing a contemporary and organic representation of this sound should search the singer elizabeth laprelle.
jovialduke 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i wonder if he enjoyed lynching people?
topholewhat0 1 year ago
@topholewhat0 yes, because every white person born before 1960 was a vehement racist asshole, and it is perfectly acceptable to assume that
Prattinator999 1 year ago
@Prattinator999 cmon give em a brake. they were raised that way. and no one taught them otherwise
DurhamRebel 1 year ago
@Prattinator999 Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie, and a whole lot of other white people born before 1960 were anything but racists. They and many others put their own lives on the line to fight racism. You are an ignorant jackass, and I don't care what color skin you might happen to have. Stupidity comes in all colors.
billring99 1 year ago 4
@billring99 obviously you were born at a time when sarcasm hadn't been invented yet
Prattinator999 1 year ago
@Prattinator999 What an ignorant racist generalization.
PHJimY 3 months ago
@PHJimY Christsakes almighty I'm from Alabama, you stupid empty-headed son of a bitch. I was making a sardonic response to somebody else marginalizing southern white people by implying that you could "just tell (Roscoe) was a racist". Apparently they don't manufacture common sense wherever you're from.
Prattinator999 1 month ago
@topholewhat0 no, he enjoyed working and playing music with black and white people do a little research before you mouth off
JackGrider 1 year ago
@JackGrider i didn't even mention 'black' (i'm assuming you mean't afro-american) people....i just said 'people'...which leads me to believe that you think that only black people get lynched...which makes you a racist by definition......hey everyone Jack's a racist!
topholewhat0 1 year ago
An authentic human voice of true American music for the ages.
letsif 1 year ago
i think i must be the only argentinian guy here. hey i love the american southern music from rocoe holcomb, ralph stanley and dock boggs to rebel meets rebel (with alan coe and the members of pantera got to listen the album with the same name) the reason because i comment this video is to show how far the music can reach when it´s made it with the soul and i want to share with you an artist just like roscoe from our traditional music "UÑA RAMOS" i hope you love it like i feel this music. adios!
numberone1990 1 year ago 21
@numberone1990 dont worry man, im cuban so i know how you feel lol
christian0oo 1 year ago
@numberone1990 I logged in just to give the thumbs up to your comment. Small world.
imagineinsanity 9 months ago
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@numberone1990 Now we are two! :)
Andiquien 4 months ago
@numberone1990 HEll Yea! man 100%. I live here in the American South and this is whatt i listen to. The best music made in America was made here in the south and i will check out Una Ramose
blueridger28 1 month ago
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numberone1990 1 year ago
Amazing. I love his little smile after he finishes playing 'Little Birdy too'! What a wonderful voice. I adore his version of 'The Train that Carried my Girl from Town' and 'The Hills of Mexico' is stunning. I highly recommend the compilation 'An Untamed Sense of Control' on Smithsonian Folkways to anyone.
sisterray17 1 year ago 2
@sisterray17
just bought that compilation and it is unbelievable! i love "coney isle"
OriginalRitz 1 year ago
probably watched this 40 times since i found it. Thanks for brining this timeless performance to youtube for the whole world to enjoy!
thecimmerian 1 year ago 3
He aint got the purtiest voice I ever heard but I aint never listened to Barbara Streissand so close, I never was moved like this by Robert Plant, I never listened to every note of a song by Kiss like I listen to this man. There is somethiong beyond here that can only catch you when a man bares his soul. I never listened to no one else this close except Bill Monroe for sure. This all comes from the deeps of time and the heart of a people.
TruegrassBoy 1 year ago 2
@TruegrassBoy Amen.
transcarib 1 year ago
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transcarib 1 year ago
This is definitely one of my favorite blue grass perfomanses ever....
plpesuti 1 year ago
im an international student from Africa. got the chance to hear that from a link a guy posted in some shady conservative chatroom. now i cant stop watching Roscoe at least twice a week. LOL.God bless his soul!!if you like, thumbs UP!!
alhabbo 1 year ago 9
@alhabbo That's freakin' awesome. Kinda lets you know that, on some plane, the good guys are going to win, somehow, that the forces of old and evil are not match for the unbridled righteousness of some hot banjo pickin'.
MrDavidSLewis 4 months ago 2
That was just incredible, his voice just pierced my soul!
cwinter 1 year ago
Wow! I'm really new to this world. So many influences in this music. None more important, perhaps, than this man's life itself. Who he was, and where he was at the moment that this music was happening. Wow! Yeah, this dude sang the blues.
I suspect that the Blues is an African vocal art form, however the roll of European, and Semitic music is very prevalent in the way that The Blues evolved here. "Africans don't often care about inventing new things; they build upon and rework existing art"
massacuruman1 1 year ago
one of the few white guys I like to listen to play the blues,
blueridger28 1 year ago 2
yes! yes! i didn't know he was a guest on the show..
omg yay i love those vocals!
peppermintmmeringue 1 year ago
I love Roscoe's vocals,he sounds so soulful!
BanjoCharlie54 1 year ago
Roscoe is AWESOME!
k97aw01bush 1 year ago
Who cares about poiltikin it, I just know I like it. Makes me wanna build a still.
anonymous812 1 year ago
Blues!!!
MatthewPZurek 1 year ago
bein from the blue ridge love that sound
blueridger28 1 year ago
anyone looking for more Roscoe other than his two cds: search "wolfgang's vault" and "digital library of appalachia"
ceepatton 2 years ago
the quality of sound is really great considering is was recorded with a 'boom mic' - so to be out of the shot (i think...)
Dtchmastrkilla7 2 years ago
Don't you think they could've brought in a studio mic for this tv-show?
OnkelMickwald 2 years ago
@OnkelMickwald It amazes me that music could be recorded so clearly with one mic. Many of today's sound men get annoyed if you don't have a pick-up in your guitar. "What? You want to play through a mic? Why don't you have a pick-up in that guitar?"
PHJimY 10 months ago
I like how Pete Seeger studies and gives his full attention to the performer, I know his intention is good...It is good for a performer to be able to be watched while playing,its like an exercise and it strengthens a certain performance muscle...the only time I wouldn't want some one staring at me while I was playing would be if they imposed limits on what I could express and/or misinterpret the performance.
catgumart 2 years ago
Hi from France
J'ai decouvert Roscoe Holcomb ce matin ... et je suis soufflé ...
C'est incroyable ... l'homme, sa musique .. tout me touche ... exceptionnel
Merci
jetlamit 2 years ago 3
This man was a very big influence for the Stanley Bros. Where would B/G without Roscoe?
I wouldn't begin to guess,.
garygilpin 2 years ago
This blues by Roscoe is indeed one of the most powerful performances ever captured on film - thanks to Pete for having him on his program at a time when most "folk" music meant the Kingston Trio and their ilk! I just wish that someone would put all the fine footage of Roscoe together in one film which would permanently put Roscoe Holcomb in his proper place in the history of American vernacular music.
mrhoolie 2 years ago 2
Notice Roscoe is using the "basic strum" on the banjo that some people think Pete invented. Pete will tell you he learned it from people like Roscoe. You'll find a lot of old time banjer pickers that use that style of playing. RIP Roscoe you were a classic.
ArkRed1 2 years ago
beautiful. painfull and heavenly. its all overtones.
Yashkes 2 years ago
fuck millions this man enjoyed whatever life gave him
harpuha 2 years ago 5
This man with his enormous talent lived in poverty all his life, it's so unfair! He should have made millions!!!
BanjoThomas 2 years ago
Pete knows when he's outmatched. Roscoe Holcomb is the best white blues singer ever. I have never heard such a full, complex sound on the banjo.
thevalentinefamily 2 years ago 39
@thevalentinefamily "Outmatched"? It's music, not competition...
OnkelMickwald 1 year ago 2
@thevalentinefamily It's bluegrass. Not "white blues" . lol
blurfist 1 year ago
@blurfist The second song is most certainly "white blues".
MightyAlz 1 year ago
@MightyAlz Blues and Blue grass have the same roots! Old English traditional music! You could say that Blues is "black bluegrass" .
blurfist 1 year ago
@blurfist Well, yeah, but it call comes from Jewish klezmer originally...
MightyAlz 1 year ago
@MightyAlz this music has nothing to do with jewish music
dhs812000 1 year ago
@blurfist That's not the entire story. Black blues music uses blue notes, which have no place in the old English and celtic traditions... there is a huge influence from West African and Arabic music, as well as a degree of native American and Christian liturgical music, WHICH IS derived from Hebrew liturgical music. It is a very complex mixture of influences, and definitely NOT "black bluegrass".
AlexisMichellePratt 1 year ago
@AlexisMichellePratt WRONG. Blue notes are also prevalent in English folk music. Bent or "blue notes", called in Ireland "long notes", play a vital part in Irish music and can be heard on any instrument capable of producing them.
blurfist 1 year ago
@blurfist So, you're telling me only white people can come up with music, and black people have to copy? You think the slaves didn't have any music of their own when they came over? That's so preposterous and imperialist, it's not even worth continuing this discussion. You need to pay attention in music class, I assisted in teaching middle school students and we taught this basic lesson: Blues comes from white AND african music.
AlexisMichellePratt 1 year ago
@AlexisMichellePratt Wow you are assuming so much. Did i say "black people have to copy?" I just think it's preposterous that people are only telling half the story.
The whole "black people invented the blues" story is ridiculous. "Imperialist? " hahaha..
blurfist 1 year ago
Comment removed
ThatsaCryinShame 1 year ago
@blurfist - I'm familiar with your argument. The Celts got down with it. The British couldn't stand all that talent! LOL. But I'm wondering about that "long note." Is there anyway to know whether it existed in Celtic music before the minstrel groups toured Europe? Of all the places that the minstrels took THEIR TAKE on African American music, it was the Celts that fell in love and embraced both the banjo, and all of the modal scales. Crazy how music gets around.
massacuruman1 1 year ago
@blurfist I'm a conessuier of british isles folk music, and there's nothing even approaching acoustic blues in the folk music of this land.
jovialduke 1 year ago
@blurfist That's not the entire story. Black blues music uses blue notes, which have no place in the old English and celtic traditions... there is a huge influence from West African and Arabic music, as well as a degree of native American and Christian liturgical music, WHICH IS derived from Hebrew liturgical music. It is a very complex mixture of influences, and definitely NOT "black bluegrass".
AlexisMichellePratt 1 year ago
@thevalentinefamily i would say the COMPLETE opposite is much more accurate.
CanadianFolkBlues 1 year ago
@thevalentinefamily Music is not a competition. Pete is not outmatched. Although they are both using the up-picking style, Pete and Roscoe have different techniques. They are different, but one isn't better than another. It's all subjective.
By the way, I'm sure I've seen John Cohen playing that same guitar with the clear weird shaped pick guard with the NLCR. Is it a OO-45?
PHJimY 10 months ago
@thevalentinefamily
On this show someimes he picked with guests but there is NO WAY he could keep up with Roscoe. For my money Roscoe is the greatest Appalachian musician ever. Pete knows this and just has to sit and be in awe....
Paddyboy 6 months ago
Pete's stare = creepy. I know it's because he's watching/learning but still. Back away, Pete...back away.
Maranatha80 2 years ago
ya, i was wondering if the study pete put on him affected his performance. there would have been a load of other folks in the audience to dilute it tho.
whishkeyboy 2 years ago
you cant go wrong with this...............
huevorosado 2 years ago
I love Roscoe but something phony about Pete
Phalces 2 years ago
Sweet banjo playing
doubleotwentyone 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Cool stuff, but that Pete Seeger a strange one, sho 'nuff.
biglloyddobbs 2 years ago
ol roscoe ruled the strings,and that other world voice is beyond haunting,what a giant talent this man was!!!
blackmidget33 2 years ago 3
pete's enjoying himself,and so am i.....roscoe look's like a depression era salesman and im buy'n whatever he's selling.......
poontwangdrifter 2 years ago 4
THE BEST-THE REAL THING.
hambonecharliejohnso 2 years ago 2
Does anybody have the lyrics for Little Birdie for this version?
mrpedersen9 2 years ago
I wasn't disrespecting Roscoe or anyone on this page...I just have a VERY strong distaste for Nashville country musicians. So if I pissed anyone off then I'm sorry.
dioisfreakinamazing6 2 years ago
Roscoe Holcomb was an Oldtime musician, not Bluegrass.
Titanius1066 2 years ago
hey dio you need too shut your fucking mouth and have respect for the old timers i cant believe u would run your mouth and talk shit about the folks that made u
jasonw1817 2 years ago
How does Roscoe Holcomb rank among bluegrass musicians... he was an innovator. He sang from life experiences and from the soul. He lived in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky...not in fucking Nashville.
dioisfreakinamazing6 2 years ago 4
Why do you mention Nashville? Bluegrass was born in Kentucky, thats why we call it "bluegrass" as in, "The bluegrass state." It is the Kentucky state music.
It was only played in Nashville and remains there because thats were the money is.
HillbillyJ 2 years ago
My musical taste is well deverse and I just got into bluegrass recently, just as I watch O brother where art thou movie. This man singing is cool, how does he rank among the blue grass performers.
rudy712 2 years ago
A Kentucky Original...R.I.P. Roscoe
dioisfreakinamazing6 2 years ago
I guess it's great but I didn't understand much...
ventrue1 2 years ago
Roscoe Holcomb was the Man! How real is that music.
nosecandles 2 years ago
Yeah, well that shouldn't really be a judgement of whether you like it or not...
MightyAlz 2 years ago
great job
Marks104 2 years ago
His voice pierces you and captures you. It soothes you he does it so effortless like nothing to it , man this guy rocks.
banjojack47 2 years ago 3
Actually- Roscoe Holcomb, who was born in 1912 has the birth name of HALCOMB!
banjoman44 2 years ago
I love "The High Lonesome" sound of Roscoe, I play his music alot. He's one cool dude.
Floorbird 2 years ago
Unique in many way.
When I first heard, I was lost/
Hve played and still play his music very often. I wish I had the ability to have met him. Awesome sound, unique sound
Darkhathor 2 years ago
I love all of the positive comments you guys leave on Roscoe Halcomb. I am his great niece, Chassy, and I'm sure he'd appreciate you all.
sixxohhsixx 2 years ago 5
well Iam a concertina player and singer in Ireland ,I think he is great.Dick Miles
dickmilesmusic 2 years ago
it seems like you should know how to spell his name seeing as though the o and a are so far away on the keyboard
im sure he'd appreciate your claim
djs11 2 years ago
Makes you feel All is right with the world, and the world after. Thanks, Roscoe! PeteReeves Altoona, PA
StillPete 2 years ago
Wow. So that's what the "high lonesome sound" sounds like.
stigandr5 2 years ago
I bought a DVD last week and on that I saw and hear Mister Holcomb for the first time. This music is so awesome and I don't know a word to describe his singing.
meloderon 2 years ago
His right-hand technique on the guitar reminds me of Mississippi Fred McDowell.
thefringthing 2 years ago
dynamite!
songblam 2 years ago
A Amazing performance!
johnhotgun 2 years ago 2
Hillbilly 4 life
thehankachief 2 years ago
Arsenal, Roscoe had a terrible voice?? Sure could've fooled me. He never sang at the Met or Carnegie Hall but still his voice is one of the greatest in American recorded history.
dukeofearlbanjo 2 years ago 2
I like how he hits the drum while he plays, it sounds so cool.
brainburrito 3 years ago
This world could sure stand to have more like him! He was truly special. No one in recorded history has captured that mountain singing style quite the same as Roscoe. Tom Ashley and Jean Ritchie were great too
dukeofearlbanjo 3 years ago
I only hope my voice sounds half that good at half his age, just amazing!
SiMoFkr 3 years ago
Fantastic
mimickingbird 3 years ago
wow amazing
lynnedjones 3 years ago
Roscoe was one of the greatest singers in American history. Truly authentic and not polished.
dukeofearlbanjo 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
He wasn't known for his singing. It was more the fact that he had kept his hands in shape and was able to play the way he did in his younger years as he did until his death. He's sort of like the case of Libba Cotten - great musician - terrible voice!
Arsenal123456123 3 years ago
you must be kidding!
dirtyfeetforever 2 years ago
one of the greatest voices in recorded music. I know it can be hard to digest at first but it has it's own special beauty
hellobettsy 2 years ago 29
@hellobettsy the high lonesome tone is derived from the harshness of life.of people suffering in hunger and destitution,kind of like their souls were wailing.i bet roscoes voice could carry down a hollow and through the ridges and be heard for miles.thats why i believe it is so unique!!!!
poontwangdrifter 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
HE SOUNDS LIKE A DYIN' COW!
oboma8 3 years ago
Are you off your medication again, oboma8?
colujomes 3 years ago 5
ha, yes indeed! Then again who would'nt be blown away from roscoe's his take on these old tunes.
northeasternmike 3 years ago
pete's just having his mind blown
victormiller 3 years ago
there is no earthly words to describe this!!!!!
poontwangdrifter 3 years ago
Pete looks creepy, but I honestly think it's because he's enjoying himself. I think he's just naturally creepy.
definenothing 3 years ago
I think he is just blown away by the incredible gift that Holcomb has. I think he is studying. I have seen Old Pete many times and he is definitely not creepy, though I have never seen him looking at a musician that way.
fallfrukt 3 years ago
I think he is on TV and has to awkwardly be watched while watching.
friendofthedevil 3 years ago
This video is great, thanks for posting.
It never ceases to amaze me though how the most annoying part of any video from Seeger's show is Seeger himself! See the Mississippi John Hurt video for another example of a great musician giving an outstanding performance in spite of Seeger's general presence.
peterjwolfgang 3 years ago
best comment on youtube.
xmadcowx 3 years ago
perhaps true.
but he did have a habit of being the clarion call to talent.
araggedclown 3 years ago
holy shit is roscoe good at fingerpicking
miasm 3 years ago
mr.Holcomb,you indeed had the gift,and you were a gift to us also.thank god some had the foresight to record your artistry. could someone post "old smokey" by roscoe?
blackmidget33 3 years ago
How'd you like to play with ole' Pete boring in on you like that? I guess you'd do what Roscoe did....look straight ahead and try your best to ignore him. Roscoe was a national treasure and a total class act!
banjite 3 years ago 7
Roscoe always gives me the chills (in a good way).
slopbucket74 3 years ago
where can i get little birdy lyrics
harpuha 3 years ago
he's the fuckin shit
harpuha 3 years ago 4
hey man, I would be willing to wager that roscoe learned as many songs off records as did Pete Seeger!
they can both be cool!
One of the things that made me switch over to getting past Pete's "cheesiness" was getting his How to Play the five string banjo book.
Either way, Roscoe Holcomb is pretty cool!
samjessin7 3 years ago 3
According to John Cohen, Roscoe only learned one song from a record; the rest he learned from other people. I think most people are unaware that back in those days, poor people often didn't even have radios, no less record players, indoor plumbing or electricity in those areas. My Grandfather didn't even see a radio or Record player4 until the late fifties(when he was in his sixties). He played banjo all his life. Roscoe is the real thing.
Khalilullah 3 years ago