Wayfaring Strangers

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Scots migrated to Ulster and then onward to resettle in the United States. Many of these Scots-Irish immigrants made their way into the southern Appalachian Mountains, bringing a wealth of traditional ballads and tunes from the British Isles and Ireland that merged with sounds of English, German, Welsh, African American, French and Cherokee origin. In “Wayfaring Strangers,” Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr guide readers on an epic musical journey across oceans and through centuries of change.

Enriched by insights of key contributors, this illustrated volume includes a CD with 20 songs by musicians profiled, including Dolly Parton, Dougie MacLean, Cara Dillon, John Doyle, Pete Seeger, David Holt and Anais Mitchell. Ritchie is the host of National Public Radio’s “The Thistle & Shamrock,” and Orr is president emeritus of Warren Wilson College in Asheville and founder of Swannanoa Gathering folk music workshops. Published by UNC Press of Chapel Hill. Hardback, 361 pages, $39.95; e-book $34.99.

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