Video Premiere: Alice Gerrard on Playing with Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard were trailblazers in the realm of bluegrass music. As women, they were among the first to front a band and sell records. They were vocal advocates for social justice and Gerrard has gone on to be a lifelong advocate for the power of old-time folk music.
Last month, we shared a review of some Hazel & Alice reissues brought to us this year by the fine folks at Smithsonian Folkways. Now we’re thrilled to premiere this animated video that features Gerrard’s memories about playing music with her late friend and collaborator Hazel Dickens.
“There’s something about that kind of harmony,” she says, “… that was very different than pop harmony. And if you were a duet, you were never a background vocalist. That wasn’t even a term for the kind of singing we did. You were equal in strength.”
Indeed, they were. Press play and enjoy a little bit of (animated) folk music history.
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Directed by Drew Christie
Illustrations by Gabe Adams
Animation and Type Design by Dane Herforth
Kalakala Animation
Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard: Pioneering Women of Bluegrass is available HERE.
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Instagram: @smithsonianfolkways
Facebook: @smithsonianfolkwaysrecordings
Twitter: @Folkways
