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Classic African-American Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways

Various Artists
Classic African-American Ballads from Smithsonian Folkways

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.

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Track Listing

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101
Mouse on the Hill (Froggie Went a-Courting) Warner Williams with Jay Summerour 3:44
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102
Casey Jones K.C. Douglas 1:23
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103
John Hardy Lead Belly 2:43
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104
Railroad Bill John Jackson 3:33
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105
Stewball Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon 3:33
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106
John Henry Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee 4:04
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107
St. James Infirmary Snooks Eaglin 2:20
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108
Staggerlee (Stackolee) John Cephas and Phil Wiggins 5:03
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109
Lost John Convict Group, Ramsey and Retrieve State Farms 4:54
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110
Betty and Dupree Josh White 3:45
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111
Old Riley / Here, Rattler, Here Lead Belly 1:58
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112
The Race of the Jim Lee and Katy Adam Jazz Gillum, Memphis Slim, and Arbee Stidham 2:27
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113
The Titanic Pink Anderson 2:49
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114
Frankie and Johnny Big Bill Broonzy 2:07
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115
White House Blues Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys 1:59
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116
Louis Collins John Jackson 3:18
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117
Bad Lee Brown (Late One Night) Woody Guthrie 2:14
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118
Luke and Mullen Horace Sprott 2:25
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119
Duncan and Brady Dave Van Ronk 3:00
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120
Gallis Pole (The Maid Freed from the Gallows) Lead Belly 2:45
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121
Boll Weevil Pink Anderson 3:04
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122
Delia's Gone Josh White Jr. 3:45
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Album Info

Catalog Number

SFW40191

Year Released

2006

Label/Collection

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Genre(s)

African American Music; American Folk; Blues; Old Time

Country(s)

United States

Culture Group(s)

African American

Instrument(s)

Accordion; Banjo; Bass; Guitar; Guitar, Twelve-String; Harmonica; Mandolin; Organ; Piano

Language(s)

English

Credit(s)

Barry Lee Pearson - Compiler, Liner Notes, Producer
 Pete Reiniger - Mastering Engineer
 Joe Parisi - Designer
Download Liner Notes

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