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David Holt plays tunes and talks with modern masters of traditional music in Appalachia.
Four-time Grammy winner, David Holt, has spent his life learning and performing traditional American music. It has taken him from the most remote coves of southern Appalachia to the bright lights of TV studios and the Grand Old Opry stage. In "David Holt’s State of Music," he shares tunes and stories with modern masters of this historic music that has a growing legion of contemporary fans.
Four-time Grammy winner, David Holt, has spent his life learning and performing traditional American music. It has taken him from the most remote coves of southern Appalachia to the bright lights of TV studios and the Grand Old Opry stage. In "David Holt’s State of Music," he shares tunes and stories with modern masters of this historic music that has a growing legion of contemporary fans.
![David Holt House Party 2]()
Music and mentors: David looks back on his 50-year career in roots music.
David Holt House Party 2
![David Holt House Party 1]()
David Holt plays and talks music with son Zeb and friend Josh Goforth.
David Holt House Party 1
![Rising Stars]()
David visits with rising young stars of roots music at an historic theater in Elkin, NC.
Rising Stars
Providing Support for PBS.org
Providing Support for PBS.org
Photos from Season 4 of David Holt's State of Music
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Darin and Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan (center).
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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David Holt plays harp and bones.
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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Cane Mill Road
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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David and Zeb Holt, 1980s
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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David Holt and Josh Goforth
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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Tray Wellington of Cane Mill Road
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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David Holt plays mouthbow.
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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David Holt and Taj Mahal
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
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Liam Purcell of Cane Mill Road
Courtesy Will & Deni McIntyre
About the Show
"David Holt's State of Music" features music from emerging young artists as well as veteran masters. Shot entirely on location in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and South Carolina, the series showcases the musical heritage and scenic beauty of the southern mountains while introducing viewers to bluegrass, roots music, blues, new acoustic, and gospel music genres.
Season 4 will present the powerhouse band Della Mae; bluegrass duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan; blues legend Taj Mahal; rising stars Presley Barker, Cane Mill Road band, and the Burnett Sisters with Willow Dillon; and Josh Goforth and Zeb Holt playing with host David in a look back at his 50-year career in folk music.
Episode 1 | Della Mae
Della Mae is a powerhouse band of women who play bluegrass and more, and they are mentoring young female players around the world. David visits them at the historic Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
Episode 2 | Darin and Brooke Aldridge with John Cowan
David visits with the award-winning duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge and longtime friend John Cowan at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC.
Episode 3 | Taj Mahal
David visits with blues legend Taj Mahal and learns how he got his name, how he almost became a farmer, and what it’s like to tour with the Rolling Stones.
Episode 4 | Rising Stars
Meet the future of roots music: Presley Barker, the Burnett Sisters, Willow Dillon, and Cane Mill Road. David shares tunes and stories with these rising stars of new acoustic music who were raised on traditional tunes in the shadow of old masters.
Episode 5 | David Holt House Party 1
David shares tunes and stories from his career in roots music with guest host Zeb Holt and longtime friend Josh Goforth. David’s wife Ginny joins them to reminisce about life in the Blue Ridge Mountains for two young Californians in the 1970s.
Episode 6 | David Holt House Party 2
David’s musical career has taken him from remote mountain coves to the bright lights of TV studios and the Grand Ole Opry stage. Hear music and stories of Doc Watson, John Hartford, and more, shared with son Zeb Holt and longtime friend Josh Goforth.
Producers and Presenters
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