Leonard Rutherford (fiddle) and Dick Burnett (banjo) – Theirs is the earliest known recording of “Willie Moore” Introduction One thing I find about murder ballads in my own life is that I often remember the first time and place I … Continue reading →
Bluegrass singer and banjo player Ralph Stanley has announced that he plans to retire in December of 2014. Now age 86, “Dr. Ralph Stanley” has had a storied career with tremendous achievements, including inventing his own banjo playing style, winning … Continue reading →
Before most people blow out the candles on their birthday cake, they usually sing “Happy Birthday to You.” You know the song well. It’s sung at almost every birthday party. Variations exist in nearly every language. We’ve heard “The Happy … Continue reading →
Robert Calvin Bland, better known as Bobby “Blue” Bland, the “Lion of the Blues,” passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, after fighting an ongoing illness. Bland was 83-years-old and leaves behind a legacy of blues, gospel and R&B that has … Continue reading →
The Sinking of the “Cumberland” by the Ironclad “Merrimac“, off Newport News Va. March 8th 1862 – Currier and Ives, 1862 Introduction This week we return once again to the American Civil War for some music that might make the … Continue reading →
Not Laura Foster This is the fifth post in a series on “Tom Dooley” and related songs. The first post discusses some of the facts behind the story that inspired the song. The following three posts “Hang down your head, … Continue reading →
Neil Young This our fourth post so far on the familiar murder ballad “Tom Dooley.” –The first post discusses some of the history behind the song. –The second post discusses the history of the song itself, from regional to international … Continue reading →
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson This is our third post this week on “Tom Dooley.” You can read the first here and the second here. Introduction My heart sank just a little after reading in John Edward Fletcher’s book about the … Continue reading →
A benefit concert featuring Pete Seeger and other folk singers, musicians and writers will be held at the New York Academy of Medicine on Thursday, June 20th. The concert will benefit an upcoming folk music exhibit, “Folk City,” on display … Continue reading →
Sing Out! provides an international listing of folk music festivals and camps, which can be found at www.singout.org/fests.html. Our listing is currently updated to feature festivals throughout the summer. Before making summer road trips, camping excursions, etc., be sure to … Continue reading →
