Tellico Plains Tennessee is located within a mountain region of rich musical heritage. Bluegrass and old-time music have their roots in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Many European settlers to this mountain region came from England, Ireland, and Scotland. They brought their old ballads, minstels, gospels (shape-note hymns), and Scots-Irish fiddle tunes with them. The isolation of the mountains kept these songs quite true to their traditional melodies. In fact, even today you can visit a British Isles pub and hear the same melodies as those played here. Lyrics for many melodies varied over time. For instance, the melody
"Red Haired Boy" goes back to the ancient music of Ireland. Various lyrics have been written for this melody, including
"Little Beggarman" (a fiddle tune known throughout the British Isles).
"The Old Soldier with a Wooden Leg" is a US version of this melody from the American Civil War.
Mountain folk music, bluegrass, old time, and gospel are quite popular in the Tellico Plains region. Movies like "O Brother Where Art Thou" helped make bluegrass and old-time music popular once again.
You'll find music in the air in Tellico Plains. Listen while a group of musicians jams on a downtown street. Hear some pickin' around a campfire at Indian Boundary Campground. Local restaurants host music events. There are outdoor music events, and recurring "jam sessions" for local and visiting musicians. You don't need to play an instrument to join in... music lovers are welcome. So pack your fiddle, banjo, or other acoustic instrument when you plan a visit to Tellico Plains.
