May 19th, 2010 saw a star-studded line-up take the stage at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the Music Saves Mountains concert, presented by the Natural Resources Defense Council. This was the biggest gathering ever of music stars coming together to raise awareness about mountaintop removal coal mining, which is devastating Appalachia. Featured performers included Dave Matthews and Emmylou Harris, along with special guests Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Alison Krauss, Big Kenny and more. NRDC owes tremendous thanks to these performers for standing up for our beloved Appalachian Mountains and we look forward to their continued efforts to spread awareness of this issue as we seek to bring an end to the world’s worst coal mining!  The show kicked off with an introduction from Naomi Judd.

Mountaintop Removal

The Appalachian Mountains inspire wonder, reverence and awe. Many of the nation’s magnificent rivers flow from them, providing millions of Americans with clean drinking water. Their majestic vistas nourish our spirits and connect us with nature. It’s no wonder that these crown jewels have inspired musicians for generations, whether they’re playing bluegrass, country or rock-and-roll.

Today, the Appalachians are being ravaged by the most destructive form of coal mining ever devised. Companies are blowing entire mountaintops to smithereens to get at the thin seams of coal below. Already 500 peaks have been leveled, wide swaths of forests have been clearcut, miles of streams have been destroyed or polluted, and countless communities have been harmed by the hunger for fossil fuel.

With the future of America’s oldest mountains at stake, singers and musicians are coming together to say “enough is enough.” They are joining together to fight for these cherished mountains, where American music was born and which so many songs celebrate.

If you want to help support the effort, visit the site and donate your time or money.