Children's Songs and Games from the Southern Mountains

Jean Ritchie is a national treasure, one of America's finest and best known singers of traditional American folksongs. She grew up in Viper, Kentucky, and is part of a large family, the famous “Singing Ritchies of Kentucky.”

Ritchie noted that this recording could have been subtitled, “Schoolyard Songs and Games Recollected from My Childhood in Viper, Kentucky.” It was her first recording devoted exclusively to children’s songs. She accompanies herself on the guitar and Appalachian dulcimer, the latter being the instrument for which she is best known. Jean followed this 1957 recording with a second recording of children's songs for Folkways 11 years later (Marching Across The Green Grass and Other American Children's Game Songs—FW07702).

The liner notes are written by preeminent folklorist Kenneth Goldstein, who provides background information, instructions for playing each game, and each song's lyrics. The cover photo and design are by Jean's husband, George Pickow.

Track Listing

101	Jenny, Put the Kettle On Jean Ritchie	00:23
102	Go in and Out the Window Jean Ritchie	00:58
103	The Old Soup Gourd Jean Ritchie	01:11
104	Among the Little White Daisies Jean Ritchie	01:30
105	Sally Goodin Jean Ritchie	00:31
106	Fiddle-I-Fee Jean Ritchie	02:04
107	Old Bald Eagle Kettle On Jean Ritchie	01:04
108	Two Dukes A-Riding Jean Ritchie	01:34
109	Kitty Alone Jean Ritchie	02:22
201	Love Somebody, Yes I Do Jean Ritchie	00:42
202	The Swapping Song Jean Ritchie	02:23
203	Old King Cole Jean Ritchie	01:10
204	The Old Man In The Woods Jean Ritchie	02:18
205	Old Shoe Boots Jean Ritchie	01:20
206	Sourwood Mountain Jean Ritchie	01:22
207	Green Gravels Jean Ritchie	00:20
208	Mammy Had an Old Goose Jean Ritchie	01:18
209	Who Killed Cock Robin? Jean Ritchie	01:47