Songs of the Lake and the Forest - A Michigan Folk History

Explore the rich folk music tradition of 19th century Michigan in this 15-minute TEDx talk by Jonathan Gabhart. Discover how lumber and mining workers transformed their experiences into songs that echoed throughout the Great Lakes region for decades. Learn about Alan Lomax's crucial 1938 mission for the Library of Congress, which resulted in the largest collection of Michigan's early folk music and storytelling. Hear how Michigan–IO has spent the past 5 years reimagining these historical tunes, breathing new life into the state's musical heritage while preserving the spirit of the original compositions. Gain insight into the importance of folk music in capturing the essence of Michigan's early statehood and the enduring legacy of these songs in celebrating Great Lakes culture.