Work and Labor Songs of Butte Montana: An Audio Experience of the Past
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Authors
Duff, Arizona
Date of Issue
2022
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Work and labor songs paint a picture about what life was like for working class people throughout history. In the United States, we have seen songs rise and fall in popularity representing groups of workers, from the coal mines in Kentucky to the striking General Motor workers in Flint, Michigan. While the lyrics and stories of these songs contain deep meaning in their own right, the music and the presentation of the pieces are also a critical aspect in understanding the historical significance of these songs. This project explores the work and labor songs from the mining community of Butte, Montana and what this music, experienced as music, can teach us. Using music books, union pamphlets, and field and audio recordings collected throughout the 20th century, I explore what it sounded like to be a miner.