Sons of Coal
August 9th, 2011

“Sons of Coal Miners” is a 30 to 45 minute film (currently in production) which will discuss the origins, history, impact and influence of Mountain Music on the culture of the mountain people of Southwest Virginia. The film will provide a snapshot of the economic and sociological effects the coal industry has had in the area of Cleveland, Virginia through the music of its natives. Cleveland is a rural area with roots buried deep in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. The film will focus on Burl Rhea, a native of Cleveland, and his band, the Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers. The film will discuss the influence the music, through Mr. Rhea and his band, has had on the community leadership and coal. This film will introduce Rhea in his “true to life” form as he expounds on his commitment to God, community, and family.

The Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers’ style of music is known as “Old Time Mountain Music.” Similar to traditional bluegrass music, it differs in that it originates from deep Irish Celtic roots. Playing styles, songs, and instruments have been passed down through family members for generations. This film will discuss the origins, history, traditions and influences of the music through the use of local scholars, films, original recordings and live performances.

The Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers’ music rings through the hills of Cleveland as it tells the story of the historical impact coal mining has had on the people and their community, as well as the physical and mental toll coal mining has taken on the miners and their families. The songs themselves exemplify the struggles and triumphs of the coal mining community. They paint a picture of the impact coal mining as had on the health of the miners, the environment, and the development of the local economy. Their music is beautiful, raw and soul searching as it narrates the good and bad times of the people of Cleveland and explains life deep in the coalfields of the area.

This film will discuss the struggles of the local people and their use of the music, as an anthem of sorts, to help them deal with their problems and struggles brought on by economic upswings and downturns in the coal industry. The film will also discuss the use of the music to bring about change for perceived social injustice that has occurred in the past, for example the Piston Coal Strike of 1989. The film will also discuss the changes that have happened to the music as a result.

This film will shine a spotlight on the battles and triumphs of a small group of people struggling to use their music to make a statement about life and make a difference in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia.