Musical Roots of the Smokies
Honoring the Cherokee people as the original music makers of these mountains
"The Appalachian Heartland Foundation operates on the ancestral and traditional lands of the Cherokee people. We acknowledge that the Great Smoky Mountains, including Townsend and Blount County, were Cherokee territory for thousands of years before European settlement. We honor the Cherokee people who were forcibly removed from these mountains in 1838, and we recognize the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who remain in the region today. We are committed to learning from and uplifting Cherokee voices, history, and culture in all our work."
The Cherokee people were making music in the Smoky Mountains for thousands of years before European contact. Their musical traditions didn't just influence Appalachian music—they are the foundation upon which everything else was built.
When Scots-Irish settlers arrived in the 1700s with their fiddles and ballads, African Americans brought their rhythmic traditions and call-and-response singing, and German immigrants contributed their hymn traditions, they encountered Cherokee people who had already developed sophisticated musical practices deeply connected to these mountains.
The blend that happened created what we call "Appalachian music" today. You cannot tell the story honestly without Cherokee voices.
The land speaks Cherokee. These names surround us—they're not history, they're the living language of the mountains.
"the Tugaloo people"
Tuckaleechee Cove is where Townsend sits today—including Country Manor Acres, where we hold the Old Time Barn Dance. This was a Cherokee town and agricultural center.
"fire deer place"
Chilhowee Mountain overlooks our region—a place name that echoes Cherokee stories and traditions connected to this landscape.
Ancient Cherokee village
An ancient Cherokee settlement, Citico represents one of many communities that thrived in these mountains for millennia.
From Cherokee village "Tanasi"
Our entire state takes its name from a Cherokee village. Every time we say "Tennessee," we speak a Cherokee word.
Cherokee music is NOT what Hollywood shows you. Pan flutes and generic drums are Plains Indian traditions often misattributed to all Native peoples. Cherokee musical traditions are distinct and unique.
Community gathering music like Friendship Dance and Bear Dance
Sacred music not for public sharing or appropriation
Led by caller, shell shakers (women wear turtle shell rattles)
Community participation format found in both Cherokee and Appalachian music
Courting flutes and storytelling instruments
Water drums and gourd rattles for rhythm
Cherokee music is not history—it's alive and thriving today through contemporary artists blending tradition with modern styles.
Cherokee Hip-Hop
Language revitalization through rap, blending Cherokee lyrics with contemporary beats
Cherokee Rap/Activism
Uses music for indigenous rights activism and cultural preservation
Cherokee/Shawnee/African American Fusion
Blends Cherokee, African American, and Appalachian traditions
Traditional Songs in Cherokee Language
Preserving and passing forward Cherokee language through music
Legendary Cherokee Musician (1918-2012)
His recordings preserve traditional Cherokee stomp dance music for future generations
Contemporary Sacred Music
Cherokee language hymns blend Christian and indigenous traditions
Cherokee, NC (45 minutes from Townsend)
World-class museum and cultural hub of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. We are building a partnership for cross-promotion, educational programming, and artist referrals.
Qualla Boundary, NC (1 hour from Townsend)
The Cherokee who remained in North Carolina after the Trail of Tears. We seek their guidance for cultural consultation, artist collaborations, and authentic representation.
Supporting Cherokee cultural and educational programs, language preservation, and youth initiatives.
Academic partnership for research collaboration, guest speakers, and educational credibility.
589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719
World-class museum 45 minutes from Townsend. Essential for understanding Cherokee history, culture, and contemporary life.
Qualla Boundary, NC
Sovereign tribal nation 1 hour from Townsend. Attend public cultural events to learn respectfully.
Supporting Cherokee cultural preservation, education, and language revitalization programs.
Western Carolina University
Academic programs studying Cherokee language, history, and culture.
Appalachian music represents Cherokee, Scots-Irish, African, and German traditions woven together over centuries. Support our mission to honor ALL the voices that created this music.