Southern Roots and Early Years

Abstract

Homer Rodeheaver’s life-long work in song-leading and revivalism started with his family’s roots in West Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee after the Civil War. His attitudes about gospel music and race were deeply influenced by formative events from his childhood, including family attendance in Methodist churches, racism and lynching near his home, early experiences playing the trombone, and a close relationship with his brothers. While studying at Ohio Wesleyan University he led football cheers and blackface minstrel shows, then led congregational singing at local revival meetings. In 1905 he began traveling as music director for the W. E. Biederwolf revivals, a position that led to national notice