The Frankie and Johnny mural in the House Lounge at the Missouri State Capitol “Frankie and Johnny” or “Frankie and Albert” is the most popular and commercially successful murder ballad. I can’t think of a song that really comes remotely … Continue reading →
Ok, let’s bring this one on home. In the introductory post for the week, we learned that Child 10, the ballad commonly known as “Two Sisters“, is in fact quite old, with Scandinavian roots stretching back perhaps a thousand years. … Continue reading →
When I was linking the lyrics for Clannad’s version of “Two Sisters” for this week’s main post, I was stumped when I saw the refrain on several sites listed as “the boys are born for me”. I’d always heard it … Continue reading →
“Girl by Stream” Charles Van Shaick ca. 1880 This week finds us in new waters – sibling rivalry. Ok, ok, I know. One thing to love about murder ballads is that we can’t dismiss the violence with simple explanations or … Continue reading →
This week’s installment focuses on another American contribution to the genre, in the sense that “Henry Lee,” or “Love Henry,” is an Americanized take on an old ballad called “Young Hunting” (Child Ballad No. 68). The ballad tells … Continue reading →
View From Max Patch, North Carolina – by Jeff Pitman (Prints available here) Ken’s post about Omie’s surviving children gave rise to something in me that popped out as this little poem. Nothing about what they must have gone through made … Continue reading →
The People’s Music Network Winter Gathering is a musical event that is not to be missed! This national organization is joining the Lawrence, MA, Community in its celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Bread & Roses Strike. With the … Continue reading →
Here is Dylan Tuccillo’s award-winning short film, “Omie Wise — A Folktale.” It presents another contribution to the legend, I suppose, with a modern, if not entirely realistic setting. I’ll keep my thoughts, when I add them, to the comments … Continue reading →
“Omie Wise” has been with us a long time, and been “folk processed” in a number of different directions. That it is still with us is evidence of its power to move and affect the singer and the listener. That … Continue reading →
