David Holt’s ‘State of Music’
It’s important to shine a light on the musical traditions associated with North Carolina. And one of the most entertaining and effective efforts in that regard is the public television series David Holt’s State of Music. Launched in 2016, the program hosted by the four-time Grammy winner has welcomed a wide variety of music’s top artists to the program.
Past guests – who perform with Holt on location rather than in a studio – include Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers, St. John Unity Choir, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle and many more. Holt says that the series “gives me the chance to introduce phenomenal up and coming young acoustic musicians to a nationwide audience as well as featuring established icons and old friends.”
The Appalachian music-focused program is produced by Will and Deni McIntyre. “We’re seeing real talent in real locations,” says Deni. And Holt is the perfect person to interview and play with these artists, says Will McIntyre. “A lot of them were inspired by the same people who inspired David,” he says. “and some of the young people learned from or were influenced by David.” The series’ fourth season – featuring guests Taj Mahal, Della Mae, Josh Goforth and more – premiered this fall.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.