February 12, 2010

Two Who Make Me Proud to Be a Kentuckian: Jean Ritchie and Wendell Berry

Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore got together some months ago — with the help of Yim Yames — to record Dear Companion, a project drawing attention to the dire consequences of mountaintop removal mining. In addition to letting us stream the record, which is out Feb. 16 on Sub Pop, Ben and Daniel have been kind enough to take over posting duties for the day.

Kentucky is a beautiful place. The land just rolls and rolls. And there are creeks everywhere. In fact, we have more navigable waterways than any of the other lower 48, something I just learned a few weeks back. It makes sense. In the summertime, you always hear about folks setting off for a day of canoeing with their family and friends. Maybe packing a picnic. It’s plain why the Native Americans held this land with such esteem, and then why the first settlers over the Appalachians wanted to stay put and make their homes amongst the hills.

Folks here know what they got, and know how to sing and write about it. Take Jean Ritchie, for example. Take Wendell Berry. I couldn’t be more proud to be a Kentuckian than when I think about them. They’ve each contributed so much to this world. They’ve kept traditions alive. They’ve brought the stark beauty of their homeland to the attention of millions all around the globe. Here are a few examples of Jean’s work over the decades:

Jean has also used her voice to sound the alarm when things have begun to move in dangerous directions. Here’s a tune she wrote about strip mining nearly 40 years ago. “Sad scenes of destruction on every hand, black waters black waters run down through the land …”

Now about Wendell Berry. He’s written poetry and novels, created a depth of work that stands alongside any other writer in history. I’d like to share this short essay with you that he wrote a few years ago. It takes only a moment or two to read, but like all of his work, it’ll be with you for a long, long while: Contempt For Small Places.

2 Responses to “Two Who Make Me Proud to Be a Kentuckian: Jean Ritchie and Wendell Berry”

  1. On 02/12/10 9:39 PM, Muffinly said:

    I love Wendell Berry. He makes me wish I was a Kentukian.

    But I’m not.

  3. On 02/12/10 9:47 PM, Sean Cannon said:

    you always can be. we’ll welcome you with open arms.

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