Get on Board: Negro Folksongs by the Folkmasters

Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Coyal McMahan

Folkways Records – FA 2028

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1952
Genre: Folk, World, Blues, & Country
Style: Folk, & Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 The Midnight Special (02:38)
A2 Rising Sun (02:42)
A3 In His Care (02:36)
A4 Mamma Blues, No. 2 (02:35)
B1 Pick a Bale of Cotton (02:33)
B2 A Man Is Nothing but a Fool (03:23)
B3 Preachin' (01:09)
B4 I Shall Not Be Moved (02:25)
B5 Raise a Ruckus Tonight (02:54)
[Credits]
Sonny Terry (harmonica) Brownie McGhee (guitar) Coyal McMahan (maracas)
Liner Notes: George Hoefer
[Notes]
This album by harmonica player Sonny Terry and guitarist Brownie McGhee, with Coyal McMahan on maracas features traditional blues songs, spirituals, and originals by the three singer-instrumentalists. Each musician has his own distinctive style, and together they create a sound that is simultaneously melancholy and joyful.

Hear Me Howling: Blues, Ballads, and Beyond

As recorded by the San Francisco Bay by Chris Strachwitz in the 1960s

Arhoolie Records – ARH00518

Format: 4 x CD, Compilation, Box Set
Country: United States
Released: 2011
Genre: Jazz, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: African American, Blues, Cajun & Zydeco
[Disk One]
01 Hump in My Back: Jesse Fuller (2:46)
02 Brother Low Down: Jesse Fuller (2:41)
03 Berkeley’s Junco Partner: Skid Band (4:04)
04 Tight like That: Skid Band (3:38)
05 Moose March: Bob Mielke's Bearcats (3:22)
06 Highway 49: Big Joe Williams (3:49)
07 Oakland Blues: Big Joe and Mary Williams (2:46)
08 Greystone (Alameda County Jail) Blues: Big Joe Williams (2:32)
09 I Know You Didn’t Want Me: K.C. Douglas (2:15)
10 Night Shirt Blues: K.C. Douglas (2:07)
11 Stop Time: K.C. Douglas (1:26)
12 Hear Me Howling: K.C. Douglas (2:10)
13 Stand Alone Blues: Lonnie Johnson (3:24)
14 Brenda: Lonnie Johnson (4:12)
15 Changed the Lock on My Door: Sonny Terry (3:14)
16 Bald Eagle Train (Take 1): Bukka White (11:44)
17 Tom Moore’s Farm: Lightnin' Hopkins (5:12)
18 Up on Telegraph (Avenue): Lightnin' Hopkins (3:13)
19 Lady Luck: Mercy Dee (2:47)
[Disk Two]
01 I Feel like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag: Country Joe and the Fish (2:58)
02 You Turned Your Back: Toni Brown (2:19)
03 How Could I Stand It: Toni Brown (2:42)
04 Don’t Forget Me, Love: Toni Brown (2:03)
05 Charles Giteau: Crabgrass (3:32)
06 Midnight Blues: The Joy of Cooking (4:08)
07 Depression Gone from Me: T.A. Talbott (2:57)
08 Mr. Brakeman: T.A. Talbott (3:52)
09 Who’s Going to Be My Man?: Debbie Green (4:21)
10 Come See: Bob Neuwirth (4:26)
11 Lady Gay: Janet Smith (3:16)
12 Talking Protest Blues: Merritt Herring (2:37)
13 Black Jack David: Alice Stuart (2:05)
14 Eventually: Perry Lederman (2:20)
15 Impressions of John Henry: Perry Lederman (6:27)
16 Deportees: Barbara Dane (5:50)
17 Big Texas (Grand Texas): Hackberry Ramblers (3:50)
18 Jolie Blonde: Hackberry Ramblers (3:50)
19 Turtle Tail: Hackberry Ramblers (2:18)
20 The Beatles Are in Town: The Fondettes (2:02)
[Disk Three]
01 Willie Poor Boy: Mance Lipscomb (3:25)
02 The Titanic: Mance Lipscomb (3:34)
03 Mean Boss Man: Mance Lipscomb (2:55)
04 Sugar Babe: Mance Lipscomb (3:20)
05 Working on a Building: Rev. Louis Overstreet (6:38)
06 The Old Ship of Zion: Rev. Louis Overstreet (3:40)
07 I’m a Soldier: Rev. Gary Davis (6:09)
08 Floor Sweepin’ Rag: Rev. Gary Davis (5:07)
09 Courtin’ Boy: Rev. Gary Davis (5:42)
10 Shake 'Em on Down: Fred McDowell (3:11)
11 Louise: Fred McDowell (6:06)
12 Write Me a Few of Your Lines: Fred McDowell (3:18)
13 Low Down Dirty Things: Skip James (4:04)
14 22-20 Blues (Mr. Kress): Skip James (3:37)
15 Sea Walking Jesus: Skip James (4:07)
16 No Special Lover: Skip James (4:57)
17 Peace in the Valley: Skip James (4:29)
[Disk Four]
01 Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong: Vern and Ray (2:34)
02 The Touch of God’s Hand: Vern and Ray (2:59)
03 ’Fore Day in the Mornin’: Big Mama Thornton (5:00)
04 Ball and Chain: Big Mama Thornton (5:34)
05 Hound Dog: Big Mama Thornton (4:55)
06 Monsieur Leonard: John Simien and The Opelousas Playboys (3:08)
07 Chi Ca Nai (Slow Drag): John Simien and The Opelousas Playboys (2:56)
08 Bye Bye Rosa: John Simien and The Opelousas Playboys (2:32)
09 Mr. Charlie: Clifton Chenier (3:22)
10 Louisiana Rock: Clifton Chenier (2:54)
11 What Am I Doing Here?: Notes From The Underground (2:19)
12 To Be a Thief: Stanley Willis (4:39)
13 Pretty Good: Now Creative Arts Jazz Ensemble (8:31)
14 In the Breeze: Jerry Hahn (5:39)
15 To 'Trane (Two Trains): Smiley Winters (9:21)
16 The Beauty of Isis: Sonny Simmons (6:52)
[Credits]
Producer and Photographer: Chris Strachwitz, Producer: Tom Diamant, Editor: Haley Ausserer, Artwork:John Seabury, Illustrator: Robert Armstrong, Designer: Hugh Brown, Engineer: Bay Records
[Notes]
Founder of Arhoolie Records Chris Strachwitz recorded music wherever he found it: in coffee houses, music clubs, living rooms, festival stages, and recording studios. To celebrate Arhoolie’s 50th anniversary, Strachwitz released a box set of recordings he made during his early years in the record business. Of the 72 tracks of music in the set, spread over 4 CDs, over half (38) had previously been unreleased by Arhoolie. The music is a true representation of Strachwitz's eclectic musical interests and span the spectrum from raw country blues and folk to gospel and free-form jazz. This anniversary collection includes versions of "Ball and Chain" and "Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton, "Tom Moore's Farm" by Lightnin’Hopkins, "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" by Country Joe McDonald and the Fish, "Shake ʼEm On Down" by Mississippi Fred McDowell, "Deportee" by Barbara Dane, "Highway 49" by Big Joe Williams, and "Changed the Lock on My Door" by Mance Lipscomb, Lonnie Johnson, Brownie McGhee, and Sonny Terry. The box set captures a time and provides a template that Arhoolie would follow for 50 years in presenting and preserving Americana roots music.

Asch Recordings / 1939-1945 Volume 2

Asch Recordings – ASCH AA 3

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 On a Monday: Lead Belly (02:17)
A2 Wayfaring Stranger: Burl Ives (01:16)
A3 The Bold Soldier: Burl Ives (01:30)
A4 Mama, Mama / Once I Knew an Old Lady: Alan Lomax (03:06)
A5 Old Woman and the Devil: Pete Seeger (02:36)
A6 House of the Rising Sun: Woody Guthrie (03:01)
A7 Cryderville Jail: Cisco Houston (03:24)
A8 Betty and Dupree: Brownie McGhee (04:07)
A9 Go Tell Aunt Nancy: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (02:43)
B1 Polly Wolly Doodle: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (01:34)
B2 Down in the Valley: Folk Group with Pete Seeger, and Bess and Butch Lomax (02:34)
B3 Number 12 Train: Josh White (03:45)
B4 Born to Lose: Les Paul and Mary Ford (03:18)
B5 Johnson Boys: Frank Warner, Pete Seeger, and Bess Lomax Hawes (01:02)
B6 Down in the Valley: Ralph Page (02:55)
B7 Cowboy Waltz: Woody Guthrie (02:08)
B8 Country Dance Music: Tiny Clark and Mr. and Mrs. Siller (02:33)
B9 Bile Them Cabbage Down: Pick-Up Band (03:00)
[Credits]
Producer and Recorder: Moses Asch, Producer and Liner Notes: Charles Edward Smith, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This compilation of folk ballads from the Moses Asch archives samples songs from many of his favorite singers: Lead Belly, Burl Ives, Alan Lomax, Brownie McGhee, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Volume 2 continues on FW00AA4.

Traditional Blues sung by Brownie McGhee

Folkways Records – FA 2421

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1951
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country Blues, Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 Cholly Blues (05:07)
A2 Pinetop's Blues (04:10)
A3 Hangman's Blues (04:38)
A4 Jelly Roll Baker (03:51)
A5 Loving Mama Blues (03:43)
B1 Backwater Blues (04:25)
B2 Four Day Creep (04:16)
B3 Black Snake Moan (03:35)
B4 Freight Train Blues (03:41)
B5 Long Gone (03:18)
[Credits]
Brownie McGhee (guitar/vocals)
Producer: Moses Asch and Charles Edward Smith, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This album presents a variety of blues, and in Brownie McGhee's singing are echoes of work and dance songs, as well as spirituals. Brownie himself once said, "I want to make music the way I know is real," and the blues on this collection exemplify his honest, powerful style.

Crossroads: Southern Routes

Smithsonian Folkways – SF CD 40080

Format: CD, Compilation, Enhanced
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Jazz, Rock, Latin, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Folk, Rockabilly
[Tracklist]
01 Rising Sun: Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, and Coyal McMahan (02:40)
02 Statesboro Blues: The Allman Brothers Band (04:15)
03 Blue Monk: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (03:34)
04 Les Quatre Vieux Garcons: Dewey Balfa, Peter Schwarz, and Tony Balfa (02:05)
05 Travelin' Shoes: Vera Hall (01:36)
06 Woke Up This Mornin' With My Mind on Freedom: The Freedom Singers (02:29)
07 Mice and the Bad Angel/Turtle's Song to the Wolf: Betty Mae Jumper (01:22)
08 Brother John/Iko Iko: The Neville Brothers (05:33)
09 White House Blues: Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys (02:03)
10 Blue Suede Shoes: Carl Perkins (02:14)
11 Anque Me Odies: Lydia Mendoza (02:43)
12 Apartment #9: Tammy Wynette (02:58)
13 Too Many Hungry Mouths Around the Table: Denise La Salle (03:50)
14 Southbound: Doc Watson, Merle Watson (02:41)
15 I'd Rather Be an Old Time Christian: The Kingsmen (02:01)
16 There is None Like Him: The Mississippi Mass Choir (04:47)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Kip Lornell, Producer: Jon Kertzer and Steve Moreland, Liner Notes: Anthony Seeger, Designer: Scott Stowell
[Notes]
Blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, soul/blues, freedom songs, and other genres on this recording all have deep roots in southern culture and have influenced music worldwide. In a CD player, the 16 songs and liner notes introduce regional southern traditions. In a compatible CD-ROM drive, the music is complemented by hundreds of photos, texts, maps, audio and video clips and artist interviews. Hear the American South and discover the roots of American musical traditions. Artists include Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, The Allman Brothers, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Les Quatre Vieux Garcons (Dewey Balfa), Vera Hall, The SNCC Freedom Singers, Betty Mae Jumper, Neville Brothers, Bill Monroe, Carl Perkins, Lydia Mendoza, Tammy Wynette, Denise LaSalle, Doc and Merle Watson, The Kingsmen, and Mississippi Mass Choir. "The best enhanced CD yet." — U.S. News and World Report

Classic Railroad Songs from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40192

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2006
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 An excerpt from "Rail Dynamics": n/a (0:24)
02 Train 45: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:18)
03 Kassie Jones: Furry Lewis (2:56)
04 Jay Gould's Daughter: Pete Seeger (2:38)
05 Railroad Bill: Walt Robertson (2:08)
06 Linin' Track: Lead Belly (1:15)
07 Freight Train: Elizabeth Cotten (2:43)
08 Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill: Cisco Houston (2:30)
09 Zack, the Mormon Engineer: L. M. Hilton (2:02)
10 Lost Train Blues: Virginia Mountain Boys (2:57)
11 The FFV: Annie Watson (3:52)
12 He's Coming to Us Dead: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:15)
13 The Train That Carried My Girl from Town: Doc Watson (2:18)
14 Rock Island Line: Lead Belly (2:03)
15 Lonesome Train: Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, and Cisco Houston (3:31)
16 John Henry: Sonny Terry, Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston (2:42)
17 The Wreck of the Number Nine: Rosalie Sorrels (1:36)
18 Freight Train Blues: Brownie McGhee (3:36)
19 The New Market Wreck: Mike Seeger (3:39)
20 Jerry, Go Oil That Car: Harry "Haywire Mac" McClintock (2:37)
21 Way Out in Idaho: Rosalie Sorrels (3:34)
22 Old John Henry Died on the Mountain: Henry Grady Terrell (1:55)
23 Casey Jones: John D. Mounce (0:20)
24 Wreck of the Old 97: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:51)
25 Midnight Special: Lead Belly (2:03)
26 Wabash Cannonball: Doc Watson (3:17)
27 Lost Train Blues: Vernon Sutphin (1:13)
28 New River Train: Iron Mountain String Band (4:26)
29 Excerpt from "Three Little Engines and 33 Cars": n/a (0:25)
[Credits]
Compiler and Liner Notes: Jeff Place, Photographer: Jack Delano, Designer: Communication Visual, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
As 19th-century America expanded, so too did the "ribbons of iron" that crisscrossed the vast landscape and sparked the imagination of music-makers. Work songs, ballads recounting riveting exploits, and instrumental echoes of the once familiar sounds of the steam locomotive have enshrined the railroad in our musical memory. Classic Railroad Songs mines the Smithsonian Folkways archives to create this tribute to a favorite American source of inspiration. 36-page booklet. 71 minutes.

Music Down Home: An Introduction to Negro Folk Music, U.S.A.

Folkways Records – FA 2691

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: United States
Released: 1965
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
A01 Take This Hammer: Lead Belly (1:38)
A02 Field Call: Annie Grace Horn Dodson (1:18)
A03 Children's Call: Annie Grace Horn Dodson (0:47)
A04 Complaint Call: Enoch Brown (0:44)
A05 Water on the Wheel: Annie Dodson (0:47)
A06 Railroad, 1: Rich Amerson (1:26)
A07 Move Members Move: Rosie Hibler and Family (1:57)
A08 Go Pray Ye: Annie Dodson (2:32)
A09 The Day Is Past: Dorothy Melton (1:56)
A10 Prayer Song: Dock Reed and Vera Hall Ward (2:37)
A11 King David: Rich Amerson and Earthy Anne Coleman (4:30)
B01 Rockin' Jerusalem: Fisk Jubilee Singers (2:13)
B02 Just Got Over at Last: Little Brother Montgomery (2:23)
B03 Mama's Goin' to Buy Him a Little Lap Dog: Vera Hall Ward (0:48)
B04 Brother Hawk, Brother Buzzard and Brother Rabbit: Rich Amerson (1:59)
B05 I'm Goin' Up North Satisfied: Children of East York School (1:25)
B06 Railroad, 2: Rich Amerson (1:53)
B07 Lost John: Sonny Terry (3:08)
B08 Lost John: Prison Farm Work Group (4:55)
C01 I'm Goin' to Pack Up My Things & Back Down: Mozelle Moore (3:13)
C02 Careless Love: Brownie McGhee (3:18)
C03 Let Me Go Home, Whiskey: Snooks Eaglin (2:54)
C04 You're My Man - Slick Chick Blues: Victoria Spivey (4:36)
C05 I Wonder When I'll Get to Be Called a Man: Big Bill Broonzy (2:20)
C06 Mule Ridin', Talking Blues: Big Bill Broonzy (3:43)
C07 Black Woman: Rich Amerson (4:55)
D01 Old John Booker - You Call That Gone: Gus Cannon (1:45)
D02 John Henry: Furry Lewis (4:48)
D03 Take Your Fingers Off It: Gus Cannon, Charlie Burse, and Will Shade (2:53)
D04 44 Blues: Willie Thomas and Butch Cage (4:11)
D05 Sonny's Jump: Sonny Terry's Washboard Band (3:08)
D06 Birmingham Jail: Lead Belly (2:30)
D07 I'm So Glad: Montgomery Gospel Trio (2:34)
[Credits]
Producer: Charles Edward Smith, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
This 1965 recording traces the evolution of African American folk music from the South.The oral tradition of folk music in the African American community has demonstrated a perseverence through the eras of slavery and segregation while embracing and influencing American popular music through songs, lyrics and performance. 33 songs, 1.4 hours, with liner notes by producer Charles Edward Smith detailing the historical underpinnings of African American folk music and background notes on songs including lyrics.

Washboard Band Country Dance Music

Recorded under the supervision of Pete Seeger

Folkways Records – FA 2201

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, 10"
Country: US
Released: 1959
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist] A1 Cindy (6:00)
A2 Bottle Up And Go (5:10)
A3 Cripple Creek (5:00)
B1 John Henry (4:00)
B2 Old Joe Clark (3:15)
B3 Skip To My Lou (3:05)
B4 Green Corn (4:12)
[Credits]
Pete Seeger (banjo) William Edward Cook (washboard) Sonny Terry (harmonica) Brownie McGhee (guitar) Frank Robertson (bass)
Produce: Moses Asch, Introduction: Pete Seeger, Designer: Ronald Clyne, Photographer: David Gahr
[Notes]
Pete Seeger writes, "It is amazing how its 'clickety, tick, pling clunk, punk, clonk' can cut through all the noises of a crowded dance floor." This celebration of the washboard's raspy rhythm features rousing tunes played by Seeger, William Edward Cook, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Frank Robertson.

Classic Folk Songs for Kids from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW 45080

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US Released: 2016
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Froggie Went a-Courtin’: Elizabeth Mitchell (3:49)
02 Polly Wolly Doodle: Pete Seeger, Bess Hawes, and Tom Glazer (1:51)
03 Skip to My Lou: Lead Belly (2:15)
04 I've Been Working on the Railroad: Ella Jenkins (1:27)
05 She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain: Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family (2:44)
06 John Henry: Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry (4:08)
07 Brown Girl in the Ring: Lord Invader (1:49)
08 Old King Cole: Jean Ritchie (1:11)
09 Green Grass Grows All Around: Sam Hinton (2:25)
10 La rana (The Frog): Suni Paz (2:05)
11 I Had a Rooster: Pete Seeger (3:55)
12 Go Tell Aunt Rhody: The Ritchie Family (1:45)
13 Miss Mary Mack: Ella Jenkins (1:59)
14 Yankee Doodle: Pete Seeger (1:41)
15 Rock Island Line: Snooks Eaglin (2:06)
16 Big Rock Candy Mountain: Tom Glazer (3:10)
17 On Top of Old Smoky: Pete Seeger (2:19)
18 Crawdad Hole: Cisco Houston (2:17)
19 Oh Susannah: Pete Seeger (1:18)
20 Goober Peas: Tom Glazer (2:03)
21 Arroz con leche (Rice and Milk): Young Mexican girls (0:37)
22 Riding in My Car: Elizabeth Mitchell (2:49)
23 Whoopie Ti-Yi-Yo, Get Along Little Dogies: Cisco Houston (2:05)
24 Home on the Range: Pete Seeger (1:51)
25 Shenandoah: Alan Mills (2:45)
[Credits]
Compiler and Liner Notes: Jeff Place, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger, Production manager: Mary Monseur
[Notes]
In Classic Folk Songs for Kids, curator Jeff Place culls a cross-section of 26 classics from the Smithsonian Folkways vaults to tell an intriguing story of American signature sing-alongs. The songs' origins are as fascinating as the songs are fun: centuries-old European ballads, an American Revolutionary tune, 19th-century American folksongs, African-derived game songs, a sea chantey, a railroad jingle, camp songs, and even an opera song! And the singers themselves are a who’s who of American folk music artistry—Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Cisco Houston, Suni Paz, Tom Glazer, Lord Invader, and many more. 56 minutes, 40-page booklet with lyrics.

Classic African-American Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40191

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2006
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Mouse on the Hill (Froggie Went a-Courting): Warner Williams with Jay Summerour (3:44)
02 Casey Jones: K.C. Douglas (1:23)
, 03 John Hardy: Lead Belly (2:43)
04 Railroad Bill: John Jackson (3:33)
05 Stewball: Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon (3:33)
06 John Henry: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (4:04)
07 St. James Infirmary: Snooks Eaglin (2:20)
08 Staggerlee (Stackolee): John Cephas and Phil Wiggins (5:03)
09 Lost John: Convict Group, Ramsey and Retrieve State Farms (4:54)
10 Betty and Dupree: Josh White (3:45)
11 Old Riley / Here, Rattler, Here: Lead Belly (1:58)
12 The Race of the Jim Lee and Katy Adam: Jazz Gillum, Memphis Slim (2:27)
13 The Titanic: Pink Anderson (2:49)
14 Frankie and Johnny: Big Bill Broonzy (2:07)
15 White House Blues: Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys (1:59)
16 Louis Collins: John Jackson (3:18)
17 Bad Lee Brown (Late One Night): Woody Guthrie (2:14)
18 Luke and Mullen: Horace Sprott (2:25)
19 Duncan and Brady: Dave Van Ronk (3:00)
20 Gallis Pole (The Maid Freed from the Gallows): Lead Belly (2:45)
21 Boll Weevil: Pink Anderson (3:04)
22 Delia's Gone: Josh White Jr. (3:45)
[Crtedits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Barry Lee Pearson, Designer: Joe Parisi, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Classic African-American Ballads is a sampling of an important, historic, and engaging slice of America's Black music heritage. The heyday of the Black ballad tradition (1890-1920) left a lasting strain of creativity and a monument to African American life of the time. Ranging from songs created from the heritage of the English ballad, to social commentary vilifying abusive white authority figures, to "blues ballads," this album reminds us of the enormity and constant evolution of African American musical tradition. 36-page booklet. 22 tracks. 67 minutes.

The Asch Recordings, 1939 to 1947 - Vol. 1

Blues, Gospel, and Jazz

Asch Recordings – AA1

Format: Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1966年
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Gospel, Folk
[Tracklist]
A1 National Defense Blues: Lead Belly (3:03)
A2 Keep Your Hands Off Her: Lead Belly (2:55)
A3 Too Evil To Cry: Champion Jack Dupree (3:40)
A4 Careless Love: Josh White (3:22)
A5 Drifting Along Blues: Lonnie Johnson (2:59)
A6 Pawnshop Blues: Brownie McGhee (3:03)
B1 Lonesome Train: Sonny Terry (3:34)
B2 Precious Lord: The Gospel Keys (3:13)
B3 You've Got to Move: The Gospel Keys (2:48)
B4 Moses Smote the Waters: The Thrasher Wonders (2:02)
B5 Does Jesus Care?: Sister Ernestine Washington with Bunk Johnson's Jazz Band (2:48)
B6 Where Could I Go But To the Lord?: Sister Ernestine Washington with Bunk Johnson (2:56)
[Credits]
Producer: Samuel Charters, Recorder: Moses Asch, Designer: Ronald Clyne
[Notes]
From the Moses Asch archives comes a pair of early blues, gospel and jazz compilations. Lead Belly, celebrated albeit volatile American folk and blues singer / guitarist, graces this first volume with "Defense Blues" and "Keep Your Hands off Her," but you'll also find powerful performances in the Josh White's bluesy "Careless Love," the stacked harmony of The Thrasher Wonders and Sister Ernestine Washington’s plaintive query "Does Jesus Care?" over backing by Bunk Johnson’s Jazz Band. Volume One continues on FW00AA2.

Smithsonian Folkways American Roots Collection

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40062

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Jazz, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Gospel, Bluegrass, Cajun, Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Penitentary Blues: Lightnin' Hopkins (2:56)
02 Sweet Old Chicago: Roosevelt Sykes (2:58)
03 Blue Moon of Kentucky: Bill Monroe (2:02)
04 If I Had a Hammer (Hammer Song): Pete Seeger (2:13)
05 Lafayette: Lucinda Williams (3:45)
06 Bosco Stomp: Nonc Allie Young, Bessyl Duhon, and Rodney Balfa (3:04)
07 Better Day: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (3:04)
08 Long Road to Travel: Lonnie Johnson (2:22)
09 The Cuckoo Bird (The Coo-Coo Bird): Doc Watson and Clarence Ashley (2:35)
10 Pretty Saro: Doug and Jack Wallin (2:32)
11 Freight Train: Elizabeth Cotten (2:46)
12 Old Joe Bone: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:00)
13 Have a Feast Here Tonight: Bill Monroe and Doc Watson (2:24)
14 Freedom Road: Josh White (2:21)
15 This Land is Your Land: Woody Guthrie (2:19)
16 Two Good Men (Sacco and Vanzetti): Woody Guthrie (3:49)
17 Black Girl (In the Pines): Lead Belly (2:10)
18 Irene (Goodnight Irene): Lead Belly (2:18)
19 Somebody's Been Fooling #1: Big Joe Williams (2:52)
20 Hesitation Blues: Dave Van Ronk (2:34)
21 I'm Gonna Be an Engineer: Peggy Seeger (4:31)
22 Delgadina: Mercedez López (2:16)
23 I Was Standing by the Bedside of a Neighbor: Michele Lanchester and Sweet Honey (3:22)
24 Virgo: Mary Lou Williams (2:29)
25 Syl-O-Gism: Mary Lou Williams (3:31)
26 We Shall Overcome: The Freedom Singers, Dorothy Cotton, and Pete Seeger (2:42)
[Credits]
Compiler & Producer: Anthony Seeger & Amy Horowitz, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Engineer: David Glasser & Lea Anne Sonenstein
[Notes]
Twenty-six tracks from outstanding Smithsonian Folkways recordings present a panorama of American Roots music. Blues, Bluegrass, ballads, topical songs, and jazz are performed by master musicians. If you have never heard of Smithsonian Folkways or Folkways before, this collection will take you on a trip through American Music; if you have heard some already, you will still be delighted by the breadth and variety of this collection.

If You Ain't Got The Do-Re-Mi

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40195

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: Mar 13, 2007
Genre: Reggae, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country Blues, Calypso
[Tracklist]
01 Wall Street Rag: Ann Charters (3:51)
02 Empty Pocket Blues: Pete Seeger (1:29)
03 Do-Re-Mi: Woody Guthrie (2:31)
04 Bill Morgan and His Gal: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:55)
05 One Meat Ball: Josh White (3:09)
06 Jim Fisk: June Lazare (2:51)
07 Gallis Pole: Lead Belly (2:44)
08 Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?: Joe Glazer (3:59)
09 Yankee Dollar: Lord Invader (2:28)
10 If I Had a Million Dollars: Speckled Red (4:25)
11 Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out: Rolf Cahn and Eric Von Schmidt (4:46)
12 If I Lose, I Don't Care: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:57)
13 Banks of Marble: Pete Seeger (3:13)
14 The Old Arm Chair: Gale Huntington (3:36)
15 The Money Rolls In: Derek Lamb (1:18)
16 Business: Pete Seeger (2:04)
17 If You Lose Your Money: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (2:40)
18 Union Maid: Almanac Singers (2:08)
19 Greenback Dollar: Kilby Snow (1:45)
20 The Miller and His Sons: Horton Barker (3:12)
21 Penny's Farm: Pete Seeger (1:47)
22 Billy Grimes the Rover: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:28)
23 Ida Mae: Joe Glazer (2:20)
24 Last Gold Dollar: Bascom Lamar Lunsford (1:15)
25 Black Dog Blues: The Stoneman Family (2:10)
26 I Don't Want Your Millions Mister: Almanac Singers (2:54)
27 Pretty Boy Floyd: Woody Guthrie (3:03)
[Credits]
Compilers: Jack Manischewitz and John Herzog, Liner Notes: Jeff Place, Designer: Joe Parisi, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
As a subject, money has always generated great interest. If You Ain't Got the Do Re Mi celebrates the songs and singers whose words express the human side of money: hope or frustration, criticism or humor, desire or avowed disinterest. This compilation from the Smithsonian Folkways archive marks the opening of the Museum of American Finance on New York City’s Wall Street, and lets the voices of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, and other folk music legends ring out their stories of rags and riches. 24-page booklet. 74 minutes.

Classic Blues from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40134

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues
[Tracklist]
01 Old Jabo: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (2:14)
02 Mule-Ridin' Blues: Big Bill Broonzy (3:46)
03 Joggie Boogie: Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon (3:28)
04 Black Woman: Vera Hall (1:27)
05 Mercury Blues: K. C. Douglas (2:21)
06 Ran the Blues Out of My Window: Roosevelt Sykes (2:57)
07 Leaving Blues: Lead Belly (2:23)
08 One Dime Blues: Etta Baker (3:46)
09 County Farm Blues: Son House (2:11)
10 Clog Dance (Stomping Blues): Champion Jack Dupree (2:02)
11 Boll Weevil: Pink Anderson (3:06)
12 Nickel's Worth of Liver: Edith North Johnson and Henry Brown (2:43)
13 Don't Leave Me Here: Big Joe Williams (2:43)
14 Jimmy Bell: Cat Iron (2:20)
15 Candy Man: Rev. Gary Davis (2:35)
16 Beer Drinking Woman: Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon (2:32)
17 Come Go Home with Me: Lightnin' Hopkins (3:55)
18 Careless Love: Josh White (3:23)
19 I Asked Her If She Loved Me: Henry Townsend (2:55)
20 Rising Sun: Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry (2:43)
21 Pony Blues: David "Honeyboy" Edwards (3:28)
22 Vicksburg Blues: Little Brother Montgomery (4:02)
23 Vastapol: Elizabeth Cotten (2:11)
24 Drifting Along Blues: Lonnie Johnson (2:59)
25 Oh Baby, You Don't Have to Go: The Chambers Brothers (2:49)
26 Don't Lie Buddy: Lead Belly and Josh White (2:20)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Barry Lee Pearson, Photographers: Marion Post Wolcott and Russell Lee, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
A living and dynamic tradition, blues is forged in hard times but powerful enough to bring on the good times. Legends such as Lead Belly, Memphis Slim, Big Bill Broonzy, Elizabeth Cotten, Sonny Terry, and Brownie McGhee, among others formed the "blues backbone" of Folkways Records. This compilation from the Smithsonian Folkways collection spans half a century and features Delta, St. Louis, Southwest, and Chicago styles performed by some of the best-known figures in blues history. From boogies to ballads, full of innuendo and irony, this classic collection is a jukebox in a jewel case.

Rural Blues: A Study of the Vocal and Instrumental Resources

RBF Records – RF202

Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1960
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 I Can't Stand It: Will Shade
A2 Shelby County Work House Blues: Hambone Willie Newbern
A3 From Four Until Late: Robert Johnson
A4 You Can Leave, Baby: Furry Lewis
A5 Milk Cow Blues: Kokomo Blues
A6 Roberta Blues: L'il Son Jackson
A7 Thousand Woman Blues: Blind Boy Fuller
A8 If I Get Lucky: Arthur Crudup
A9 Down the Highway: Charlie Pickett
B1 Milk Cow Blues: Kokomo Blues
B2 Take Your Burden to the Lord: Blind Willie Johnson
B3 New Highway 51: Tommy McClennan
B4 Mama T'ain't Long Fo' Day: Blind Willie McTell
B5 Take Your Fingers Off It: Charlie Burse
B6 My Wife Drove Me From My Door: Charley Lincoln
B7 Skin Game Blues: Peg Leg Howell
B8 Goin' Back To Florida: Lightnin' Hopkins
B9 Standing at the Crossroads: Robert Johnson
C1 One Kind Favor: Lightnin' Hopkins
C2 Nobody's Fault But Mine: Blind Willie Johnson
C3 Warm Up: Furry Lewis
C4 Bukka's Jitterbug Swing: Bukka White
C5 Coal Man Blues: Peg Leg Howell
C6 Southern Can Mama: Blind Willie McTell
C7 Airy Man Blues: Papa Charlie Jackson
C8 Little Cow and Calf is Gonna Die Blues: Skip James
C9 New How Long How Long Blues: Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell
D1 Harmonica Stomp: Sonny Terry, Oh Red, and Blind Boy Fuller
D2 Shiney Town Blues: Frank Stokes
D3 Trouble in Mind: Virgil Perkins
D4 Mean Old Frisco: Arthur Crudup
D5 Sporting Life Blues: Brownie McGhee
D6 Solo: Virgil Perkins
D7 Tippin' Round: Charlie Burse
D8 Mama Don't Low It: Ham Gravy and Washboard Sam
D9 Key to the Highway: Moochie Reeves
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Samuel B. Charters, Designner: Ronald Clyne, Photographer: Ann Charters
[Notes]
Taken from unreleased recordings, previous Folkways releases, and early blues recordings, this two-disc set offers an introduction to the vocal styles, ornamentation, and instrumentation of this "highly personal, expressive idiom." Copious liner notes by Samuel B. Charters accompany the musical material.

Classic Blues from Smithsonian Folkways, Vol. 2

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40148

Series: Smithsonian Folkways Classic Series
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues
[Tracklist]
01 Dark Road: Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry (2:46)
02 Step It Up and Go: Warner Williams (2:38)
03 It Was Early One Morning: Lead Belly (2:27)
04 Blues - Until My Baby Comes Home: Nora Lee King and Mary Lou Williams (2:55)
05 That's No Way to Do: Pink Anderson (2:25)
06 Farro Street Jive: Little Brother Montgomery (2:18)
07 I Ain't Gonna Cry No More (Depot Blues): Son House (2:59)
08 Graveyard Blues: Roscoe Holcomb (3:02)
09 44 Blues: Roosevelt Sykes (2:45)
10 Big Fat Mama: David "Honeyboy" Edwards (2:59)
11 Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor: Lucinda Williams (3:53)
12 Lieutenant Blues: Thomas McFarland (Barrelhouse Buck) (2:40)
13 The Woman Is Killing Me: Sonny Terry and Friends (2:26)
14 Little Drops of Water: Edith North Johnson and Henry Brown (3:09)
15 When Things Go Wrong (It Hurts Me Too): Big Bill Broonzy (3:01)
16 Poor Boy a Long, Long Way From Home: Cat-Iron (2:47)
17 My Jack Don't Drink Water No More: Shortstuff Macon (3:44)
18 'Way Behind the Sun: Barbara Dane (3:51)
19 Tell Me, Baby: Lightnin' Hopkins (2:36)
20 Just A Dream: Memphis Slim (4:15)
21 Jelly Jelly: Josh White (2:29)
22 Down in the Alley: Chambers Brothers (3:07)
[Credits]
Compiler and Liner Notes: Barry Lee Pearson, Photographer: Pat Terry, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
For over a century, the blues have continually forged new musical alliances and pushed against boundaries, reaping rich harvests from infusions of diversity, innovation and vitality. With a spark of rock, or a nod to jazz, the blues stay true in spirit and perpetual in their ability to strike a common chord with listeners. On Classic Blues Vol. 2, Lucinda Williams, Roscoe Holcomb and Nora Lee King stand alongside all-time blues greats such as Lead Belly, Son House, and Lightnin' Hopkins. No matter if you prefer your blues raw, acoustic, electric, solo or from a live band, a jukebox or a jook joint, as the blues poet J. Williamsonce put it, "The blues is good news. Pass it on." Extensive notes. 22 tracks. 64 minutes.

Brownie McGhee Blues

Folkways Records – FA 2030

Format: Vinyl, LP, 10"
Country: US
Released: 1955
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 Careless Love (3:15)
A2 Good Morning Blues (3:50)
A3 Sporting Life (3:39)
B1 Me And Sonny (2:49)
B2 Pawnshop Blues (2:58)
B3 Move To Kansas City (3:06)
B4 Betty And Dupree (4:01)
[Credits]
Brownie McGhee (guitar/vocals)
Producer and Recorder: Moses Asch, Liner Notes: Charles Edward Smith, Artwork: David Stone Martin
[Notes]
Of Brownie McGhee's expressive thumb-and-forefinger guitar style Charles Edward Smith writes, "[it] sings and rings and whangs and talks to you." Indeed it does, and his versatile voice molds each melody and verse to tell tales of the ups and downs of everyday life, from songs of friendship to a blues about pawning his guitar.

Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry Sing

Folkways Records – FA 2327

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1958
Genre: Folk, World, Blues, & Country
Style: Blues
[Tracklist]
A1 Better Day (3:04)
A2 Confusion (3:20)
A3 Dark Road (2:45)
A4 John Henry (4:05)
A5 Make A Little Money (3:47)
A6 Old Jabo (2:13)
B1 If You Lose Your Money (2:44)
B2 Guitar Highway (2:37)
B3 Heart In Sorrow (3:00)
B4 Preachin' The Blues (2:33)
B5 Can't Help Myself (3:19)
B6 Best Of Friends (3:13)
B7 Boogie Baby (2:31)
[Credits]
Brownie McGhee (guitar/vocals) Sonny Terry (harmonica/vocals) Gene Moore (drums)
Producer and Recorder: Moses Asch, Liner Notes: Charles Edward Smith, Photographer: David Gahr, Designer: Nancy Jean Anderson, Cover Artwork: Irwin Rosenhouse
[Notes]
The acoustic music duo of guitarist Brownie McGhee and harmonicist Sonny Terry were named National Heritage Fellows in 1982 in recognition of their distinctive musical contributions and accomplishments. Although primarily considered to be blues musicians, McGhee and Terry transcended the genre by including American folk songs and ballads in their repertoire. This 1958 recording, their first for the Folkways label, provides a small but inspiring example of the range of Americana and down-home blues music the duo performed throughout their 40-year partnership. First catalogue number on front sleeve, second on spine and center labels.

That's Why We're Marching: World War II and the American Folksong Movement

Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40021

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Freedom Road: Josh White (2:20)
02 Talking Sailor (Talking Merchant Marine): Woody Guthrie (3:03)
03 The Ballad of October 16: Almanac Singers (2:49)
04 Billy Boy: Almanac Singers (2:23)
05 Plow Under: Almanac Singers (2:27)
06 I'm Gonna Put My Name Down: Tom Glazer (3:04)
07 What are We Waiting On?: Woody Guthrie (2:09)
08 Citizen C.I.O.: The Union Boys (2:31)
09 The Sinking of the Reuben James: Woody Guthrie (3:01)
10 You Better Get Ready: The Union Boys (2:32)
11 If You Want to Do Your Part: Lead Belly (2:56)
12 Move Into Germany: The Union Boys (3:00)
13 So Long, It's Been Good to Know You: Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston (2:47)
14 The Martins and the Coys: The Union Boys (3:01)
15 Hitler Song: Lead Belly (4:34)
16 Sally Don't You Grieve: Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston (2:25)
17 Jimmy Longhi Story: Vincent "Jimmy" Longhi (6:05)
18 When the Yanks Go Marching In: Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, and Sonny Terry (2:46)
19 Round and Round Hitler's Grave: Almanac Singers (1:10)
20 Fuhrer: Josh White (3:11)
21 Miss Pavlichencko: Woody Guthrie (2:30)
22 National Defense Blues: Lead Belly, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Willie Smith & George Foster (3:14)
23 Gee, But I Want to Go Home (Army Life): Lead Belly (1:47)
24 Looking for a Home: Pete Seeger (3:10)
25 Now That's It's All Over (He'll Go Back to Selling Shoes): Pete Seeger (2:10)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Guy Logsdon and Jeff Place, Recorder: Moses Asch, Mastering Engineer: David Glasser
[Notes]
Artists include Woody Guthrie, Almanac Singers, Lead Belly, Tom Glazer, Cisco Houston, Pete Seeger, Josh White, Burl Ives, and others. Few people have heard these songs composed and sung from 1940 to 1945 by artists primarily known for their influence on American folk music after 1945. Both the protest songs and the pro-war songs are assembled for the first time in this historic compilation; they present the conflicts, the hopes, and the way songs were used to raise morale during World War II. 25 tracks, including Mr. Hitler, Talking Sailor, Ballad of October 16, and Sinking of the Reuben James. Notes include artist biographies and bibliography. Compiled and annotated by Jeff Place and Guy Logsdon. "A great slice of history...also a great musical performance." — Daily News

The Folk Music of the Newport Folk Festival 1959-60 Vol.2

Folkways Records FA 2432

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1961
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues, Folk, Bluegrass
A1 The Midnight Special: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (3:31)
A2 Living with the Blues: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (2:57)
A3 Instrumental: The New Lost City Ramblers (1:07)
A4 Hop High Ladies: The New Lost City Ramblers (1:36)
A5 Take a Drink on Me: The New Lost City Ramblers (2:19)
A6 As I Was Out Walking: Frank Warner (2:14)
A7 Fod!: Frank Warner (1:46)
A8 Asheville Junction: Frank Warner (1:57)
B1 Rake and a Rambling Blade: Fleming Brown (3:17)
B2 Tom Hubbard: Fleming Brown (4:16)
B3 Talking Dust Bowl: John Greenway (3:00)
We Shall Overcome: Guy Carawan (3:50)
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Irwin Silber, Photographers: Dave Gahr, W. Field and Ted Bettancourt
[Notes]
This volume is half of a two-recording set that includes recordings not issued on the Vanguard or Elektra Newport compilations. Intended to represent music from the American South and then-current trends in folk singing, the album features Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, the New Lost City Ramblers, Frank Warner, John Greenway, Guy Carawan, and Fleming Brown.