Breaking Up Christmas told by Sheila Kay Adams

Sheila Kay Adams is a seventh-generation ballad singer, storyteller, and claw hammer banjo player from the mountains of North Carolina. Adams was taught the great Appalachian ballad tradition by her great aunt, who would sing the centuries old ballads to the girl one line at a time until Adams knew the songs by heart. Adams' beautiful, evocative ballads tell rich stories through rhythm and pitch as well as lyrics. Her music has appeared in films including "The Last of the Mohicans and "Songcatcher," for which she also served as technical advisor and singing coach.