Movie spotlight
Roscoe Holcomb from Daisy, Kentucky
Roscoe Holcomb was one of America’s greatest banjo players, a musician whose haunting vocal intonations, Old Regular Baptist in tradition, gave Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton the chills and gave John Cohen’s 1963 film High Lonesome Sound its name. Drawing on footage he shot in 1962 and 1974 in Daisy, Kentucky, Cohen made this incredibly moving portrait of Holcomb, for whom the holy spirit always rose up plain and true: “Sometimes, you know, you feel like playing certain songs. I feel like playing the old banjo, I feel like playing some religious songs. I sit down, I feel lonesome. I could play you some of these old religious songs and it just fits me plumb through. Or I could pick up the guitar—the guitar is mostly for the blues. It’s just according to what a man feels, what he’s got on his mind.” His body ravaged by a life in the coal mines and sawmills, Roscoe Holcomb died in 1981 at the age of 68. — Museum of Modern Art
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the life and music of Roscoe Holcomb, a highly influential but obscure Appalachian folk musician. Through archival footage and interviews, it delves into his unique singing style, his connection to the land, and his impact on subsequent generations of musicians. The film captures the raw emotion and haunting beauty of his performances, painting a portrait of a man deeply rooted in tradition.
Critical Reception
The documentary received acclaim for its intimate portrayal of Holcomb and its dedication to preserving his musical legacy. Critics praised its authenticity and the profound emotional impact of Holcomb's music, highlighting its importance for understanding traditional American folk music.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving tribute to a forgotten musical genius.
Essential viewing for fans of American folk and roots music.
Captures the raw power and haunting beauty of Holcomb's voice.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this specific documentary is not readily available through typical aggregated platforms.
Fun Fact
Roscoe Holcomb's singing style, characterized by its modal melodies and a unique vocal technique often described as 'high, lonesome sound,' profoundly influenced many musicians, including those in the folk revival movement and beyond.
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