How Hazel Dickens redefined bluegrass through the lens of her Appalachian mining roots
In short: Witness a powerful 1978 performance of a song honoring West Virginia. This video showcases the artistry of a legendary musician who navigated a male-dominated genre while championing the rights of workers and women.
Hazel Dickens, who passed away in 2011, remains a pivotal figure in bluegrass history. Raised in a West Virginia mining family as one of eleven children, she drew deeply from her own life to craft poignant music. Her career was marked by a commitment to integrity, often collaborating with Alice Gerrard to pave the way for other women in the industry.
The 1978 Smithsonian Folklife Festival performance captures her tribute to her home state alongside Phyllis Boyens. Beyond her musical contributions, Dickens was a dedicated advocate for social justice, using her platform to support both women's and labor rights throughout her life.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hazel Dickens Performs "West Virginia, My Home" at the 1978 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
- Also: folkways.si.edu — Hazel Dickens & Phyllis Boyens - "West Virginia, My Home" [Live at Folklife Festival 1978] | Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
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