In addition to his singing, Niles was a luthier (someone who makes and/or repairs lutes and other stringed instruments) and collector of instruments. He created and fashioned Appalachian dulcimers, alongside non-musical items like doors, tables and chairs. In a similar way to the influence he took from the traditional songs he gathered, Niles put his own spin on the instruments he made, taking the original design and changing it, personalizing it, and making the new instruments very much his own.
Niles created at least eight of his own instruments and used them in a very particular, minimal way, creating his own sound which he used to accompany himself whilst singing, even using them as a striking chord in otherwise unaccompanied songs. He blended his singing with his songs, making each one depend upon the other.
Niles' influence runs deep, and reflects the variety of forms and functions his work fulfilled. As well as being quoted by Dylan (in the first line of "It Ain't Me Babe"), "Go 'Way From My Window" was recorded and sung by Merlene Dietrich. Niles' songs were a part of the folk music revival of the '50s and '60s, joining the recorded output of such names as Joan Baez and Burl Ives.
And his legacy has continued, with the Center for American Music at UK taking his name. It exhibits instruments he made, as well as his archives and collection materials.
As we all know, Louisville's musical reputation stretches far and wide. John Nathan Niles is an important part of this rich history, a part whose influence goes further than many, in many different areas. I will explore other parts of the musical traditions of Louisville in upcoming articles.
Sources:
http://finearts.uky.edu/music/niles/niles
http://finearts.uky.edu/music/niles/collections
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Jacob_Niles
http://www.research.uky.edu/odyssey/fall02/niles.html
Photo: Flickr/Institute193
Videos: YouTube
