Album: Folk Songs of the Hills / Back Home / Songs of the Coal Mines

Introduction
"Folk Songs of the Hills/ Back Home/ Songs of the Coal Mines" is a collection album launched by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Merle Travis in 1999. It unites 3 of his earlier albums: "Folk Songs of the Hills" (1947), "Back Home" (1957), and "Songs of the Coal Mines" (1963). Each of these albums includes songs focused on styles of American life, folk tales, and the challenges of working-class individuals, particularly coal miners in Travis's house state of Kentucky. Travis is typically credited with popularizing the "Travis-picking" design of guitar playing, which includes recurring thumb-picked bass patterns along with syncopated treble notes played by the index and middle fingers.

Folk Songs of the Hills (1947)
"Folk Songs of the Hills" is thought about one of Merle Travis's seminal works and showcases his capability to mix standard American folk music with his unique guitar-picking design. The album features popular tracks such as "Sixteen Tons", "Dark as a Dungeon", and "John Henry". Travis usually carried out the tunes solo, with just his guitar for accompaniment, but the recordings also employed a little backing band consisting of fiddle, bass, and extra guitars.

A number of tunes on the album, notably "Sixteen Tons" and "Dark as a Dungeon", would go on to gain wider appeal when covered by other artists, consisting of Tennessee Ernie Ford and Johnny Cash. These tunes handle the hard lives of coal miners in the Appalachian region of the United States, showing Travis's deep individual connection to the people and locations of his training. His knack for storytelling and his ability to connect with his audience through basic yet effective lyrics and tunes make "Folk Songs of the Hills" a classic in American folk music history.

Back Home (1957)
"Back Home" continues the trend of focusing on American folk music and showcases Travis's versatility and musicianship. The tracks range from ballads and blues to uptempo tunes and wistful tunes, all including his hallmark fingerpicking guitar design. Songs like "The Homestead on the Farm", "The Blizzard", and "The Rock Island Line" emphasize Travis's ability to get in touch with the common man's experiences and emotions, painting vibrant images of life in rural America.

While perhaps not as renowned as "Folk Songs of the Hills", "Back Home" remains an essential entry in Travis's discography, providing further evidence of his skills as a songwriter and entertainer.

Tunes of the Coal Mines (1963)
"Songs of the Coal Mines" revisits the subject matter of mining communities, which Travis had previously explored in "Folk Songs of the Hills". Tracks such as "Miner's Prayer", "Ballad of the Harpeth Chain", and "The Worried Coal Miner" provide voice to the dangerous, hard lives of these workers and their families.

In "Songs of the Coal Mines", Travis's storytelling capability shines, offering poignant tips of the price paid by those in pursuit of the American Dream. The album is a small however powerful testament to the struggles and spirit of the working class, especially those in the mining market.

Conclusion
"Folk Songs of the Hills/ Back Home/ Songs of the Coal Mines" catches the essence of Merle Travis's skill and artistry. Throughout these 3 albums, Travis shows himself to be a master of connecting with audiences through stories that resonate with the working-class experience. As a vocalist, songwriter, and guitar player, Travis left a long lasting impression on American music and inspired future generations of musicians. This collection uses an extensive peek into the world of a real folk music icon whose impact continues to be felt today.