All In The Family: family singers at the Nantucket Atheneum

In the early years of America, music played a central role in daily life, much like it had in indigenous societies. People engaged in music both privately and publicly, using it to soothe, celebrate, and enliven their lives. During the colonial period, American music was heavily influenced by the diverse cultures of settlers from England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, and Africa, and was performed on readily available instruments.

The development of American popular music as we know it began in the early 19th century, driven by the religious fervor of rural communities. Churches, particularly Protestant denominations, used music as a primary means of teaching religious doctrines, making them more accessible and relatable than lengthy sermons. Children were often involved in church choirs and Sunday schools, where “singing masters”—musicians who also composed, wrote songbooks, and gave lessons—played a significant role. By the turn of the century, church hymns had evolved from ritualistic to artistic expressions, supported by choirs, published psalters, and singing schools.

The Second Great Awakening, a major religious revival movement lasting until the 1840s, significantly influenced American music and culture. Camp meetings, which were emotionally charged and akin to stage performances, became the first form of mass entertainment in America. These revival meetings emphasized personal salvation over Calvinist predestination and fostered a sense of humanism and social reform. The music associated with these events contributed to the rise of political activism, influencing movements such as temperance and the abolition of slavery.

By the 1840s, American music had shifted from a communal activity to a commercial commodity. The market revolution, driven by industrial development, urbanization, and increased immigration, transformed the American music scene. As Americans sought to define their cultural status, they looked to European virtuosos like Jenny Lind for inspiration. Consequently, European artists were among the first to benefit from the evolving cultural and social trends in American music.

The Rainer Family, hailing from Tyrol in the Alps, arrived in America in 1839 after a successful European tour. Led by 18-year-old Ludwig Rainer, the family became known for their performances in traditional Alpine attire, including lederhosen and feathered hats. They performed across various American cities, including a notable appearance in New York City where they are believed to have introduced “Silent Night” to America on Christmas Day 1839.

hughes,Image courtesy of Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror

Image courtesy of Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror

Inspired by the Rainers, the Hughes Family from Wales arrived in New York in October 1840. Led by Dafydd Hughes and his wife Catherine, along with their children Joseph, David Jr., John, and Margaret, they quickly became prominent performers in the U.S. They emulated the Rainers’ style by wearing traditional Welsh dress and showcasing their musical talents. The Hughes children, known as the “Cambrian Infants,” were celebrated for their proficiency with various instruments. Their debut concert occurred in Boston in June 1841, and they continued performing across the East Coast throughout the 1840s.

The Hutchinson Family Singers, also inspired by the Rainers, became one of America’s most renowned family singing groups. Originating from Milford, NH, the Hutchinson siblings—John, Judson, Asa, Jesse, and later Abby—adopted a harmonic style reminiscent of the Rainers and used their music to advocate for social causes like abolition, women’s suffrage, and temperance. Their combination of hymn-singing and revival music helped establish a distinct American musical identity, rapidly advancing them from local performers to national celebrities within three years.

aeolian, Image courtesy of Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror

Image courtesy of Nantucket Inquirer & Mirror

Before becoming one of the most popular musical acts of the 1840s, the Hutchinsons, initially known as The Aeolian Vocalists, struggled like many other family bands. To distinguish themselves, they adopted Tyrolean costumes and performed at prominent venues. Their breakthrough came in January 1843 when they sang at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society meeting in Faneuil Hall, gaining significant exposure.

On June 24, 1843, an ad in the Inquirer and Mirror highlighted the Hutchinsons’ performance during Nantucket’s annual sheep shearing festival, a major social event. The festival featured various attractions, including a new tent by the Washington Total Abstinence Society for a children’s troupe and theatrical performances at the Atheneum, including “The Reformed Drunkard, A Moral Drama.” The Hutchinsons’ appearance was a major highlight.

hutchinsons, Image courtesy of Nantucket Historical Association

Image courtesy of Nantucket Historical Association

By 1844, the Hutchinsons had transitioned from their initial Tyrolean costumes and novelty acts to becoming the Hutchinson Family Singers. They achieved remarkable success, including a notable performance for President John Tyler at the White House on January 31, 1844. They toured Great Britain with Frederick Douglass in 1845-1846, drawing large crowds, and continued performing in the U.S. Despite challenges, including resistance to their racially integrated performances, they maintained a significant presence.

In November 1855, three of the Hutchinson brothers founded Hutchinson, MN, a town with Progressive policies including prohibition of liquor and gambling, and women’s voting rights. The family remained active into the 1880s, supporting abolitionism, temperance, and women’s suffrage. In 1862, their performance was initially rejected by Union officers due to the anti-slavery message of a song, but President Abraham Lincoln endorsed their choice, affirming their impact and the warm reception they received, exemplified by their performance in the Nantucket Atheneum’s Great Hall.