Debby McClatchy is an American old-time and Appalachian musician, born in San Francisco in 1945 and later based near Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, in the Appalachian Mountains. Her family background includes a strong link to both California and the American South: her father’s great-grandfather comes from Ulster during the famine, takes part in the 1849 gold rush and founds The Sacramento Bee, while her mother comes from the Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, Tennessee, from a family tracing back seven generations to Thomas Jefferson’s sister.

Early life and influences

McClatchy’s early life in San Francisco shapes her outlook and her music. One song on Homemade Goodies reflects on her memories of the city and on the loss of its early character in the pursuit of money. Her mother sings Carter Family songs as lullabies, sings music hall material for pleasure, and sometimes yodels, which adds to McClatchy’s musical upbringing and informs her respect for traditional repertoire and forms.

Career

By the 1960s, McClatchy is already earning money playing in ceilidh bands and old-time string bands in San Francisco. She then becomes a solo performer and works full time as a touring musician. Her first trip to Britain and Europe takes place in 1968, and by 1999 she makes her 25th visit to Britain.

Style and performance

McClatchy is known for songwriting rooted in traditional music, along with occasional use of contemporary material. She is a performer with wit and imagination, and she plays a range of acoustic instruments. When touring, she usually carries a 1907 Bacon “FF Professional” banjo and sometimes a fiddle. She is regarded as one of the leading frailed-banjo players in accompanying style and is also valued for her banjo and singing workshops.

Repertoire and presence

Her music combines old-time banjo playing, strong singing, mountain fiddling and freestyle Appalachian stepping. This combination makes her a regular favourite in clubs and at festivals.