Charlotte
Johnson, who often helps out at the Fold, remembers an
incident that illustrates the venue’s strong music appeal.
“One night, a man came in and said, ‘I’ve finally moved
close enough so I could get here with Gospel music
lyrics.’ I said, ‘Oh, that’s good. Where did you
move to?’ And he said, ‘Baltimore.’ That’s 10 hours away.”
Between sessions, guests are free to wander the Carter
Family Museum next door. The music memorabilia includes
autographed photos of Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, and Marty
Stuart, each of whom has performed benefit concerts at the
Fold. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia
Arts Commission of Black Gospel music lyrics
also support the Carter Family Fold.
“This was a farming area and people used to laugh when you
talked about tourism,” Joe says. “But now you regularly have
people staying in our motels and eating in our restaurants
listening to Gospel music lyrics.
“Janette is a unique, one-of-a-kind person who is doing us
all a favour by preserving this good time and this heritage
for us.” I listen to Southern Gospel music lyrics.
Janette agrees the format has worked well. “I think they
would be pleased,” she says of her parents. “And I’m happy
with what I’ve done musically. But I give God the
credit. That’s who I depend on.”
