Singin', Praisin', Raisin'

NEW FOR 2011: The Foxfire 45th Anniversary Book: Singin’, Praisin’, Raisin’ celebrates 45 years of local students collecting and preserving the heritage of Southern Appalachia. The book’s first song-themed section, “A Beautiful Life,” features thoughtful and touching stories from new, colorful regional personalities. “Knoxville Girl” and “Barbara Allen” relate intriguing tales and legends of relatively-rare notable crimes and various spooky happenings. “Echoes” contains encouraging life stories about gospel, bluegrass, and faith from several traditional musicians. “Daddy Was a Farmer” relives the days of Rabun Gap–Nacoochee School’s storied Farm Family Program through the memories of those who acquired both sustenance and education while working the land around the school. “With His Own Two Hands” closes the book with a selection of how-to articles ranging from building a versatile farming sled to constructing basic woodworking tools and braiding a leather bullwhip.

"A Beautiful Life" features personalities Sammy Green, Madge Merrell, Jack P. Nix, Lillie Billingsley, Lightnin' Callenback, Carlee Heaton, Vaughn Billingsley, Allen English, and Tommy Irvin. Sections "Knoxville Girl" and "Barbara Allen" feature tales from Melissa Rogers, Marley Cannon, Huell Bramlett, Bass Dockery, Bill White, Sam McMahan, Louise Tabor, Bob Justus, and Clyde Hollifield. "Echoes" features musicians Curtis Blackwell, Josh Crowe, David Holt, LV & Mary Mathis, Mountain Faith, The Primitive Quartet, George Reynolds, The Foxfire Boys, Morris Stancil, Greg Stancil, Dale Tilley, Gary Waldrep, and Young Harmony. "Daddy Was a Farmer" features memories of Dr. Karl Anderson, Frances Fry Deal, Jimmy Deal, James Adams, Jo-Anne Stiles Hubbs, J.T. Coleman, William Thurmond, Harold Thurmond, Doug Nix, Lucy Webb, Mary Webb Kitchens, Doris Carpenter, Jim Carpenter, Bobbie Dills Carter, Marjorie Robinson, Morris Robinson, and Tommy & Emma Chastain, with an additional story of the Jordan farming family from Centre, Alabama. "With His Own Two Hands" features mountain skills from Kyle Bolen, Claud Connell, Harriet Echols, Elvin Cabe, Coyl Justice, Barry Stiles, Nelson Cabe, and Frank Vinson.