Loading...Early America
Special Collection
This collection from KET provides examples of early American culture through storytelling, music, and documentary.
Several music segments feature musician Mike Seeger, who is an authority on traditional American music. Another segment features Saxton’s Cornet Band, an ensemble that recreates early brass bands.
Segments on the Hensley Settlement and Dr. Thomas Walker are from the KET program Kentucky Life. The Thomas Walker segment includes interviews with members of the Bell County Historical Society, who discuss the early explorer and his journal documenting the settlement of Kentucky.
| RESOURCE | GRADE LEVEL | MEDIA TYPE |
|---|---|---|
Early America: Cluck Old Hen/I Had a RoosterMike Seeger sings two folk songs about animals in traditional Southern style to maintain their distinct flavor. Both feature the banjo, a traditional gourd banjo on “Cluck Old Hen” and today’s steel-string banjo on “I Had a Rooster.” |
K-6 |
Video |
Early America: Derby RamFolksinger Mike Seeger performs the English-American song “Derby Ram” for a group of students. Seeger explains, “Exaggeration is the core of this English-American song reputed to be one of George Washington’s favorites. I’ve been singing this version since I was about 12.” The guitar and harmonica are featured instruments. |
K-6 |
Video |
Early America: Dr. Thomas WalkerIn this video segment from the KET Kentucky Life series, members of the Bell County Historical Society celebrate Bell County as the “Gateway to the American West” and discuss early explorer Dr. Thomas Walker. By reviewing Walker’s journal, historians have been able to document the settlement of Kentucky. |
6-12 |
Video |
Early America: Foo Boo Woo Boo JohnIn this clip, Mike Seeger, an expert musician and an authority on traditional American music, shows how to play the jaw harp and performs “Foo Boo Woo Boo John,” a traditional folk song that came to America from England. |
K-6 |
Video |
Early America: Hensley SettlementIn this video segment from the KET series Kentucky Life, host Bryan Crawford visits the Hensley Settlement in the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. Park Ranger Matthew Graham guides Crawford on a tour of the Hensley Settlement while discussing the unique history of this pioneer community. |
6-12 |
Video |
Early America: Yankee Doodle DandySaxton’s Cornet Band, a musical ensemble that recreates the sound and appearance of early brass bands, performs “Yankee Doodle Variations.” Before the performance, Nick Lawrence of the group tells the audience that the piece is an example of theme and variations. |
5-12 |
Video |
