My Ballads

Generations of singing, story telling, genealogical research, and learning have led to this moment.

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I begin with a song for my paternal grandparents ("Judy and Steve"), followed by a song for my maternal grandmother ("Nana"). Next are two songs for my parents: "Mama" for my mother, and "Pops" for my father. This is followed by a song for my younger brother, "Johnny Boy."

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Obviously, this is but a small number of my family members. I hope to continue this project in the future by writing more songs for my other relatives, as well as the chosen family that I have cultivated as I have come into adulthood.

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Click on the song titles to be taken to separate pages with a recorded version of each song, as well as a notated version with lyrics and liner notes. Traditionally, ballads were not notated as they are here; however, this practice of notation has become commonplace among folk music historians as a means of preserving tradition and making it accessible to modern audiences. Try following along with the songs as you listen!