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Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2014 10:16:27 GMT -5
The most recorded song of all times. Is this a song of appalachia or the blues? According to this book, it seems to resonate throughout all styles of music, but seems to originate in the mountains between Virginia and West Virginia. Furry Lewis in 1928
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Post by AlanB on Mar 29, 2014 10:33:10 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2014 11:26:13 GMT -5
Thanks Alan. I know this was one of the first songs I learned as a youngster. (country version of course)! [laughing] It seems there is a lot of history on the internet associated with the song "John Henry..." - both as a ballad and as a blues song. It's interesting that regardless of which genre the discussions center around, the character "John Henry" is African American. So it becomes rather obvious the song has its roots in African American folklore. Here's another of those articles: www.ibiblio.org/john_henry/musicanalysis.htmlA good book for reference: Other Souths: Diversity and Difference in the U.S. South, Reconstruction to Present Front Cover Pippa Holloway University of Georgia Press, 2008 - History - 451 pages 0 Reviews Other Souths collects fifteen innovative essays that place issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality at the center of the narrative of southern history. Using a range of methodologies and approaches, contributing historians provide a fresh perspective to key events and move long-overlooked episodes into prominence. Pippa Holloway edited the volume using a chronological and event-driven framework with which many students and teachers will be familiar. The book covers well-recognized topics in American history: wars, reform efforts, social movements, and political milestones. Cultural topics are considered as well, including the development of consumer capitalism, the history of rock and roll, and the history of sport. The focus and organization of the essays underscore the value of southern history to the larger national narrative. Other Souths reveals the history of what may strike some as a surprisingly dynamic and nuanced region--a region better understood by paying closer and more careful attention to its diversity.
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Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2014 11:33:39 GMT -5
Jawbone and Jolene's humble tribute. This song has resonated in peoples' conscious and unconscious minds and hearts for decades. Some 7 or 8 years ago, when we found tab and lyrics in an old songbook we began the journey to do it justice. Sometimes I choke up while singing the lyrics, I don't know why except that he was an icon of the hard put man, losing to profit motivated mechanization. He was also a real human with a weakness for women and a rage against injustice, coupled with a true work ethic. He represented and represents the common man and woman and the hurdles we encounter in everyday life, just gettin' by. Great!!! Thanks. You did the song proud!
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Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2014 11:36:14 GMT -5
From Paul Vernon:
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Post by Admin on Mar 29, 2014 11:48:39 GMT -5
I have to just call this a true roots song. So true Patrick. Since it has been recorded by everyone from Leadbelly to Johnny Cash. It's a song for all generations to be sung by "Songsters".
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Post by AlanB on Mar 29, 2014 11:57:49 GMT -5
The initials S.T. stand for Sinclair Traill who in May 1948 was the founder of Jazz Journal magazine and still published today. From the type face this review could be from JJ. Traill died in 1981.
The songs were recorded in Paris 21 Sept 1951 10 song session. The previous day BBB cut 18 songs which included his "infamous" Black, Brown And White.
Apologies for the sidetrack....
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Post by Pistol Pete on Mar 31, 2014 0:25:46 GMT -5
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Post by Pistol Pete on Apr 3, 2014 11:45:23 GMT -5
I'm just posting these videos as various versions come on what I'm listening to at the moment. Hope that's ok!
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Post by Pistol Pete on May 31, 2014 3:10:31 GMT -5
Came across this one of Fred doing it this morning and it reminded me of this thread
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Post by Admin on May 31, 2014 7:45:14 GMT -5
Pete, that version is the one I played most often.
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Post by Pistol Pete on Sept 17, 2014 13:46:31 GMT -5
Another take on the John Hurt version 'Spike Driver's Blues' from Doc Watson :-)
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