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	The 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	My Government Claim Bill Bonyun	01:14
108	The Praetes Bill Bonyun	01:23
109	Drill Ye Tarriers Bill Bonyun	01:07
201	Auction Block Bill Bonyun	01:21
202	The Boll Weevil Bill Bonyun	01:24
203	The Old 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, Been Good to Know You Bill Bonyun	01:03