South Turkey Creek
In 1965, 23-year-old filmmaker David Hoffman began work on his first television documentary, originally titled Music Makers of the Blue Ridge, now known as Bluegrass Roots. He traveled to Asheville NC, in Southern Appalachia, to meet 82-year-old Bascom Lamar Lunsford, founder of the Asheville Mountain Music Festival, which had been running since 1929. After corresponding by letter, Lunsford agreed to let him document his search for musical and dance talent.
Over several weeks, Hoffman captured scenes with a 16mm sound camera, assisted by a friend using a Nagra audio recorder. One highlight was filming a clog dance demonstration in Lunsford’s South Turkey Creek home, where the rug was rolled back to let the wooden floor amplify the dancers’ footwork. Despite the weight of his 49-pound camera, the filmmaker joined in the dancing, capturing what he later described as one of the best scenes he had ever shot. The performance featured top bluegrass and old-time musicians, including Obray Ramsey and Ray Lunsford.
Clog dancing has long been a vital part of Appalachian culture, bringing communities together through music, storytelling, and tradition. Influenced by English, Scottish, Irish, and African dance styles, the form is known for its intricate footwork and rhythmic tapping. Today, it remains a living tradition, taught in schools and showcased at festivals across the region.
David Hoffman's film Bluegrass Roots was purchased by the Library of Congress and is available on YouTube as well.
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