The Legacy of Ron Gonnella - Charles K. Wolfe Music by Jane Macmorran Paperback

About the Book

"This biography of Ron Gonnella includes a discography of his extensive recordings and provides an in-depth analysis of his contributions to Scottish fiddling, along with an analysis of his role in reviving interest in and establishing performance standards for the instrument in the United States. Rather than presenting a typical musicological analysis of Gonnella's performances or musical scores, MacMorran examines Gonnella's body of work in the cultural context of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s in a career that paralleled yet was far removed from the folk music revival and other shifts in popular music. In doing so, MacMorran seeks to recover the work of a noted fiddler who has been overlooked in the larger pantheon of music history"--

Book Synopsis

In the latter half of the twentieth century, Ron Gonnella's extensive discography played a pivotal role in reviving interest in traditional Scottish fiddling, particularly in the United States. Jane MacMorran's The Legacy of Ron Gonnella offers an in-depth exploration of this legendary fiddler whose influence has largely been overlooked in mainstream music history. MacMorran situates the musician's work within the cultural shifts of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s--decades that witnessed multiple folk music revivals as Gonnella's career developed in a niche tradition. This book reintroduces Gonnella as a significant figure whose contributions to Scottish fiddling helped shape performance standards and influence future generations of musicians.

Beginning in Barga, Italy, and traveling through Scotland before arriving in North America, Gonnella's life and work reflect a complex dialogue between cultures, historical periods, and musical traditions. MacMorran examines how Gonnella's work was shaped by and helped shape various musical communities, showing that he was an active participant in the ongoing evolution of Scottish fiddling.

Through oral histories, archival material, and interviews with musicians who performed with or were influenced by Gonnella, the author uncovers a vibrant narrative of cross-cultural exchange. The result is a rich portrayal of Gonnella's life-long contribution to Scottish fiddling and a case for his inclusion in the wider narrative of traditional music history.

About the Author

JANE MACMORRAN is Director of Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies in the Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University. She is a former United States National Scottish Fiddling Champion and serves as an adjudicator for Scottish fiddle competitions in North America.