The End of an Old Song

Thematic Picturing the Southern Sound: Two Music Cultures Curated by Tom Rankin

Filmed in the mountains around Asheville, North Carolina, The End of an Old Song creates a moving portrait of Dillard Chandler, one of the last unaccompanied ballad singers. Chandler has little money, no family, and few friends, but his strength comes from his music. Although the proud heritage of his music shines throughout the film, in one revealing scene Chandler’s hauntingly sad, unaccompanied song is drowned out by the sounds of modern country music on the jukebox as the world around him embraces the future.

Director

John Cohen

Release Year

1972

Festival Year

2002

Country

United States

Run Time

27 minutes