“We Are Melungeon” Song Download
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Description
A Song for the Melungeon People
We Are Melungeon is an original song written and performed to honor the story, spirit, and resilience of the Melungeon people. With its roots in Appalachian mountain folk traditions, blended with a modern American folk sensibility, this song captures both the history and the heartbeat of a people who have endured adversity, carried pride in their heritage, and kept their voices alive.
The song began when Heather Andolina, President of the Melungeon Heritage Association, shared the story of her community with her friend, Alison Kerr. Inspired by this history, Alison penned heartfelt lyrics that reflected the strength, struggles, and pride of the Melungeon people. From there, a creative collaboration unfolded: Alison teamed up with her friend Seth Boulton to bring the lyrics to life through vocals, guitar, and tambourine. The composition was then enhanced by Maham Khan and John King, who created the instrumental music that gave the song its rich atmosphere.
Together, these voices and talents united to create not just a song, but an anthem — one that speaks to the shared legacy of resilience and belonging.
Purchasing We Are Melungeon not only gives you access to a moving piece of music, but also supports the Melungeon Heritage Association’s mission to preserve, honor, and share the history of the Melungeon people.
Listen to the song here: ‘We Are Melungeon’ lyric video
Meet the Artists
Heather Andolina
Heather is a historian with a B.A. in History from Thomas More University and an M.A. in History from Winthrop University. She has extensive museum, archival, and curatorial experience, having worked at the Cincinnati History Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum. Heather has also authored historical essays for various publications and websites.
She is the President of the Melungeon Heritage Association and host of the Melungeon Voices podcast. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, she lives with her husband and remains deeply committed to preserving and sharing the stories of the Melungeon community.
Alison Kerr – Lyricist & Vocalist
Alison Kerr is a singer-songwriter whose artistry blends storytelling with emotional authenticity. When asked to write a theme song for the Melungeon people, Alison sought to channel the spirit of their diverse, multicultural history. Her lyrics, written with raw emotion, capture both the grief and the triumph of a people who endured marginalization yet held fast to their pride and belonging.
Alison explains: “I wanted the song to have the feel of the Appalachian mountains — simple instruments like guitar and tambourine — while still carrying a powerful message. The Melungeon people are proud, and I wanted this song to say: We Are Melungeon. We are here, and we are home.”
For Alison, this project was also deeply personal. She relates to the Melungeon experience of welcoming everyone, yet struggling for acceptance, and describes writing the lyrics with tears in her eyes. Her hope is that the song resonates with those of Melungeon ancestry, offering pride, recognition, and a sense of homecoming.
Robert Seth Boulton (Cosmic Deep Six) – Guitar, Tambourine & Vocals
Robert Seth Boulton is a musician, artist, producer, and filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. Performing under the project name Cosmic Deep Six, his work fuses electronic music with visual art, drawing inspiration from artists such as David Bowie, Daft Punk, and Depeche Mode.
In We Are Melungeon, Seth brought Alison’s lyrics to life by contributing guitar, tambourine, and supporting vocals. His musical touch grounded the piece in a raw, folk tradition while also adding rhythm and drive.
You can find more of Seth’s work here:
Maham Khan & John King – Composers
Maham and John are university instructors in Ohio who share both a personal and professional life. Maham teaches English Literature at Kent State, while John teaches in the humanities at Bowling Green State University and serves as Vice President of the Melungeon Heritage Association. Married in 2025, the pair compose music together, weaving their academic backgrounds and artistic talents into projects that celebrate heritage and culture.
For We Are Melungeon, Maham and John created the musical arrangement that gives the song its atmosphere — a blend of Appalachian folk roots and a timeless folk style that elevates Alison and Seth’s performance into a resonant anthem.
🎧 Listen & Support
By purchasing We Are Melungeon, you help bring the story of the Melungeon people to a wider audience. This anthem is more than music — it’s a declaration of identity, belonging, and pride.
👉 Download the song today and carry the voice of the Melungeon people with you.