Jan Davidson
Jan Davidson | |
|---|---|
 Playing at the Folk School in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jan Allen Davidson Jr. |
| Born | Murphy, North Carolina, US |
| Genres | Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Folklorist, musician, singer, writer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, autoharp, and fiddle |
Jan Davidson was the longest-serving director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, the oldest and largest folk school in the United States.[1]
Biography
[edit]Davidson grew up in Murphy, North Carolina.[2] Davidson sings and plays guitar, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, autoharp, and fiddle, and worked at Pinewoods Camp as a staff member. One of his songs was recorded by Pete Seeger. Davidson attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where his minor was folklore. He also studied at the University of Edinburgh.[3] Following graduate school, he worked as curator at Western Carolina University's Mountain Heritage Center for ten years.[4] Davidson was one of the creators of the off-Broadway musical "Diamond Studs: The Life of Jesse James," which premiered at Westside Theatre in 1975. He also performed in the cast.[3][5][6]
Davidson joined the staff of the John C. Campbell Folk School as director in 1992.[2] During his tenure, the school expanded to a year-round schedule, annual enrollment soared from 2,500 to 6,000 students, and the number of classes offered each year surged from 150 to more than 850. Seven new studios for blacksmithing, cooking, book and paper arts, painting, woodturning, spinning, and music, were constructed during his tenure, along with new student housing.[1] Davidson established the school's history center and led efforts to restore four historic campus buildings. He also worked to create wildlife and bird sanctuaries, build walking trails, and establish conservation easements.[4] He established the institution's endowment as well. Jan's wife, Nanette, founded the Folk School's cooking program.[1]
In 2007, Davidson received The North Carolina Award for Fine Arts, which is the state’s highest civilian honor. Davidson served on the North Carolina Arts Council. He co-produced the documentary “Sing Behind the Plow” with UNC-TV. The film earned nominations for two regional Emmy awards.[1]
Davidson retired in March 2017. A newly-constructed building on the Folk School's campus, Davidson Hall, was named in his honor.[1] In fall 2017, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of the South.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Jan Davidson Announces Retirement". John C. Campbell Folk School. 2016-11-18. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ a b "Jan Davidson". Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ a b "WPCC has concert" (PDF). The News Herald (North Carolina). 1985-09-27. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ a b Neal, Dale (2017-06-01). "'The Freest Place Wins'". Smoky Mountain Living Magazine. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Diamond Studs". The Guide to Musical Theatre. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Red Clay Ramblers". EarlyBlurs.com. 2013-10-26. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Jan Davidson Awarded Honorary Doctorate". John C. Campbell Folk School. 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2025-05-17.