This MP3 from Jon Sayles reminds us of the strong connection of Americans of the South with their forebears:

A long, long time ago (during the 1970’s while I was in college) I bought a fabulous recording named: “Music of the Ozarks” (National Geographic) - it featured raw, live performances captured from amateur musicians in Appalachia. There were some arresting and gorgeous numbers on that recording, and I especially remember one beautiful, plaintiff vocal tune, named: “Bright Morning Stars Are Rising”.

Unfortunately, the album is no longer in print, and while several artists have recorded Bright Morning Stars, I wanted to give it a shot, on guitar. So, here’s my attempt at playing a gem from the Ozarks. … Play “Bright Morning Stars Are Rising” … Solo guitar. Note… here are the words - you can probably sing them in your head as you listen to the melody line….

Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a-breaking in my soul

Oh, where are our dear mothers?
Oh, where are our dear mothers?
Oh, where are our dear mothers?
Day is a-breaking in my soul

They are down in the valley praying
They are down in the valley praying
They are down in the valley praying
Day is a-breaking in my soul

Oh where are our dear fathers?
Oh where are our dear fathers?
Oh where are our dear fathers?
Day is a-breaking in my soul

They have gone to heaven shouting
They have gone to heaven shouting
They have gone to heaven shouting
Day is a-breaking in my soul

Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Bright morning stars are rising
Day is a-breaking in my soul