I’m not sure if such a specialty exists within psychologists, or if I’ll just need to talk with a general psychologist who understands roots music and Americans’ fascination with it.

This person, a qualified psychologist, could talk about the “collective” psychology of American society, and perhaps cover some of these topics:

• Our longing for folk roots, including in music as societal ancestors (not necessarily genre-specific)

• Americans’ honoring a body of “folk” culture that we look to for:  solace emotional comfort self expression guidance

• The ways we mold our self-expression to fit a perceived cultural identity

• How might these concepts allow for or resist change and development, while preserving traditions?

[And a specific instance of a current project: In the case of Frankie Rodgers' “Ookpik Waltz,” what might help explain the large body of myth that has grown around the tune, mislabeling its roots as Alaskan/Native American?]

I’d like to discuss the above topics with the social psychologist and then use some of their comments on camera. Do you know of such a person?

Is there already a musicologist who has articulated these concepts especially clearly?

Does this line of pursuit seem valuable to you, or misguided? Is it missing a big picture?

With gratitude, Joe Weed

Producer

Highland Publishing

joeweed.com

joe@joeweed.com

(408)655-2485 Mobile

PO Box 554 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0554