Virginia Folklife Program

Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

The Charlie McClendon Story: Put Me Down Easy

Charlie McClendon (photo by Pat Jarrett)

Charlie McClendon (photo by Pat Jarrett)

Charlie McClendon has been the musical director at Goodwill Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia since 1984. But in the 1960s, he was a prominent rhythm and blues singer who, with his band the Magnificents, was one of the  cornerstones of the “Norfolk Sound.” With support from L-Rev record founder Steve Herman, the Virginia Folklife Program has created an online exhibit about Charlie McClendon featuring a 30-minute documentary film titled “Put Me Down Easy,” photos, and interview clips.

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Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes Nominated for Independent Music Awards Gospel Album of the Year!

Maggie Ingram and the IngramettesWe’re really excited to announce that Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes:  Live in Richmond has been Nominated for Independent Music Awards Gospel Album of the Year!

WTJU Folk Fund Drive

WTJU Folk MarathonOur friends at WTJU are preparing for their annual folk fund drive, starting Monday morning, February 4, and running through Sunday night, February 10.

This year’s theme is “Staying In Tune”, and each weekday morning they will focus on the many different folk styles of the guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and Dobro.  They will have six days of in-studio live performances, and special shows on Folk Music of Virginia, Appalachian String Band, Yodeling, Accordions, Tex Mex, Western Swing, Chris Thile, Old-Time, early Radio Bluegrass and more!

You can show your support by calling 434-924-3959, or pledging on-line.  And tell them VA Folklife sent you!

Links

Featured Video

Oyster Shucking at the Folklife Apprentice Showcase 2012

Deborah Pratt defeated her sister Clementine Macon in an oyster-shucking showdown at the Virginia Folklife Program’s Apprentice Showcase on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012.

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