Oxford American Celebrates Ballads in Its 25th Annual Music Issue

The Oxford American, established over two decades ago, has become synonymous with Southern music through its yearly dedicated music issues. Since its first music-focused edition in 1997, the magazine has continued the tradition, save for a hiatus in the early 2000s, with each music issue surpassing the popularity of their regular quarterly publications.

Initially without a specific theme, in recent years the magazine has honed in on particular states and music genres, exploring the rich tapestry of Southern sounds from country to blues and covering a diverse range of states.

In marking its 25th music issue, the Conway-based Oxford American has selected an intriguing theme to delve into: ballads. Patrick D. McDermott, the magazine's multimedia editor, describes ballads as a flexible form rather than a genre, seamlessly shifting across genres, eras, and geographies, offering a broad canvas for exploration.

The current issue's approach to ballads examines their varied definitions and manifestations, from narrative songs steeped in oral tradition, to contemporary slow-tempo tracks found across genres like pop, jazz, and even hip-hop. This thematic scope allows the magazine to feature a wide array of artists, including Anita Baker, Rosanne Cash, and Paramore, amongst others.

Highlights of the issue encompass feature stories on R.E.M., the art of Shirley Horn's singing, and a unique cultural look at Beyoncé's 'Listen' and its connection to Filipino identity. Moreover, the issue includes new work, with musician Dom Flemons contributing a freshly penned ballad that is both printed and recorded for the included CD.

Among the standout essays is 'Never Alone in the Night' by Craig Seymour, celebrating Melvin Lindsey's influential 'Quiet Storm' radio show and its deep roots in the R&B and soul ballad genres. The magazine also offers a thought-provoking piece by David Ramsey, which explores the complex history of a murder ballad tracing back to 17th-century England.

The 25th annual Southern Music Issue of the Oxford American presents a mosaic view of ballads, inviting readers to a comprehensive exploration of this enduring form.

ballads, music, tradition