Shades of Home: Chimney Ghost

Appalshop Films would like to present Shades of Home, a series highlighting the diversity of experiences within Central Appalachia, shown through the art that is created by artists creating and sharing their stories in our region. Inspired by some of the earliest Appalshop films, this series aims to show how art is made, shared, and received in today’s world.
Chimney Ghost was written and performed by Justin Branham, a lifelong resident of Letcher County, Kentucky, was raised in McRoberts. He spent his childhood playing in the creeks and headwaters, fishing from the head of 15 Holler to Mike Johnson’s Drive-In. Growing up in a coal camp was enjoyable, with numerous children living on the same row. On Cannel City Row alone, there were 23 kids around his age, and many family members also resided in McRoberts. This close-knit community featured numerous churches, a schoolhouse, and a couple of small grocery stores. Justin made many lifelong friends during this time, building cabins and treehouses, riding bicycles, and playing basketball.
Both of Justin's grandfathers were musicians, which sparked his early interest in the guitar and banjo. However, he didn’t start learning to play until high school. After graduating from Jenkins High School in the late 1900s, he attended Morehead State University and earned a B.S. in Biology. Returning to Letcher County, he has worked in the environmental science field for 22 years.
While in college, Justin experienced a major breakup that inspired his first attempt at songwriting. What began as a single song soon led to 20-30 songs, most of them reflecting themes of love, the longing for simpler times, and pride in his Appalachian heritage. Today, Justin is dedicated to supporting efforts to preserve Appalachian culture and values.