Mormon folk music is primarily composed of folk music which was sung by Mormon pioneers in present-day Utah from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. A notable historical component of Utah music, the popularity of Mormon folk music declined along with traditional music nationally after the advent of music recording. However, the popularity of uniquely Mormon folk music had already begun its decline before the end of the 19th century. Mormon folk songs generally showcase pioneer-era Mormon unity and communal values.
History of Mormon folk music
In 1847 Brigham Young led the first company of Mormon pioneers into what became Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Great Basin area became steadily populated by Latter-day Saints. The traditional folk ballad played an important role in the lives of Mormon pioneers and early settlers. Songs detail the life of saints from the organization of the church in New York in 1830, through life in Kirtland and Nauvoo, to the trip across the plains and life in the Salt Lake Valley. Additionally, cultural and religious themes unique to the LDS Church in some songs made Mormon folk music distinct from larger folk music in the United States, and many songs herald church leaders and promote obedience to the church's teachings.
Songs typically had simple tunes, easy-to-recall lyrics, and broad enough appeal to be sung by contemporary Mormons. Mormon folk music mainly consisted of adaptations of popular songs, as well as of traditional folk songs from the United States and Europe. The journey was difficult and often perilous, and tragedies occurred such as that of the Martin and Willie handcart companies. Handcart pioneers often sung songs on their strenuous trip to Utah in order to keep their spirits up, and such music played a large role in pioneer community life. Many of the songs that became popular during the journey to Utah reflect the belief held by the pioneers that they were the Lord's chosen people, and that this calling came with a responsibility to act accordingly Also conveyed in the music is the pioneers' love for their newfound mountain home, which allowed them to build a community safe from persecution.
The hardships of the pioneers continued upon their arrival in the West, and their first few years in the Great Basin were marked by crop failure, economic hardships, health challenges, fear and animosity towards the federal government, and the push for statehood.
Recordings and artists
During the folk boom of the 1950s-70s, a number of artists made recordings of Mormon folk songs. Perhaps the best known of these was Rosalie Sorrels, who devoted an entire LP to the subject. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has also performed various Mormon folk songs, including a 2009 album of "American folk hymns and spirituals." Several Utah-based folk groups, including the Three D's, the Deseret String Band, the Beehive Band, and Otter Creek have performed traditional Mormon folk songs as part of their repertoire.
; Examples
- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns & Spirituals (The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square), Intellectual Reserve
- Folk Songs of Idaho and Utah (sung by Rosalie Sorrels), Folkways Records FH 5343
- The Iron Horse (Mormon folk ballads sung by the 3-D's)
- Hymns, Songs and Fiddle Tunes of the Utah Pioneers (two-CD album by the Deseret String Band)
- Mormon Folk Songs (sung by L.M. Hilton), Folkways Records FW02036
See also
- Mormon folklore: Folk songs
Further reading
- Stanley, David (2004), "Folklore Work in Utah—A Historical Survey". Folklore in Utah: A History and Guide to Resources, Utah State University Press,