Burnett and White met and talked about music and listened to Dock Boggs, Son House, Jimmie Rodgers, and Blind Willie Johnson.

[3] With the help of John Cohen, a musicologist and founding member of the New Lost City Ramblers, Burnett continued his quest for experts on early American music.

[4] After rehearsing with the Sacred Harp singers in a studio, Burnett decided that the style was best heard in Liberty Baptist Church in Henagar, Alabama.

"Lady Margaret", sung by choir member Cassie Franklin, appeared on the soundtrack but not in the movie.

[3] Sting wrote "You Will Be My Ain True Love" for Cold Mountain, and it was sung by Alison Krauss.