“Deep Roots, Many Voices” is a project by the Blue Ridge Music Center exploring diversity and inclusion in roots-based music. In these videos, we pair two musicians in each episode to talk about issues related to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation; how these issues have been part of their personal stories; and the importance of celebrating diversity in the music world. These discussions highlight contributions to American roots-based music from the many voices that make up our nation, and give us hope for a rich and diverse musical future.
The Bluegrass Situation is proud to feature this interview with Sam Gleaves and Joe Troop. Gleaves is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, performer, and instructor, and is also the Director of the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble. Troop is known for his multi-cultural approach to music. Joe speaks Spanish and Japanese, and has lived all over the world, most recently in Argentina. He traveled to the U.S. several times with his band Che Apalache. Since the pandemic, Joe has returned to the U.S. where he’s been writing songs of social justice, and performing with the band The Joe Troop Trio.
To learn more about future “Deep Roots, Many Voices” interviews, our “Deep Roots, Many Voices” symposium and other Blue Ridge Music Center news, sign up for the Blue Ridge Music Center’s email newsletter at BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org. These discussions are moderated by Blue Ridge Music Center Associate Program Director Marianne Kovatch.
