Who Built America: American History Through Its Folksongs

In this 1950 Folkways album for a youthful audience, Bill Bonyun (1911–2001) performs folk songs illustrating America’s history. He emphasizes the important contributions made by immigrants in the building of the American nation and includes five songs in languages other than English. A brief spoken commentary accompanies each song, placing it in its historical context. The liner notes include an introduction by Beatrice Landeck, biographical information on Bonyun, and background on the songs and lyrics.

Track Listing

101	Waly Waly	Bill Bonyun	00:27
102	The Green Mountain Boys	Bill Bonyun	01:23
103	Erie Canal	Bill Bonyun	01:03
104	Shoot the Buffalo	Bill Bonyun	00:48
105	Santy Anno	Bill Bonyun	00:52
106	Happiness Song	Bill Bonyun	00:48
107	Starving to Death on My Government Claim	Bill Bonyun	01:14
108	The Praetes	Bill Bonyun	01:23
109	Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill	Bill Bonyun	01:07
201	No More Auction Block	Bill Bonyun	01:21
202	Boll Weevil	Bill Bonyun	01:24
203	Chisholm Trail	Bill Bonyun	01:02
204	Jesse James	Bill Bonyun	01:08
205	Mi Chacra	Bill Bonyun	01:18
206	Schluf Mine Kind	Bill Bonyun	00:55
207	Salangadou	Bill Bonyun	00:43
208	Kleine Jonges	Bill Bonyun	00:33
209	So Long, It's Been Good to Know You	Bill Bonyun	01:03