David Holt's State of Music is a PBS television show that gives viewers a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of American roots music. Hosted by hickory-smoked banjo player, David Holt, the show is a musical journey through time and space that explores the vibrant history, unique sounds and stories of traditional American music.
The show follows the musical journey of three talented musicians: David Holt himself, Josh Goforth, and Martin Anderson, as they travel across North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and other Southern states, visiting small towns, churches, clubs and festivals, playing music and interviewing local musicians. The three musicians play various instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin, and together they create a beautiful and uplifting sound that harks back to the roots of American music.
Throughout the show, David, Josh and Martin share their love of traditional music, and what it means to them personally. They interview a variety of musicians and community members, who share their own experiences and stories about the role that music has played in their lives.
Each episode is a unique tribute to a specific genre or style of music, such as gospel, blues, and bluegrass, to name a few. The musicians explore the rich history of each genre and explain the stories behind the songs, often playing live versions of their own interpretations of classic tunes.
One of the most wonderful things about David Holt's State of Music is the way it celebrates the community and the music that brings them together. The show highlights the cultural significance of traditional American music, and the value of passing down these musical traditions to future generations. It is clear that for many of the musicians featured on the show, playing music is about more than just entertainment
David Holt's State of Music is a series that ran for 6 seasons (36 episodes) between April 1, 2016 and on PBS