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Children's Songs and Games from the Southern Mountains

Jean Ritchie
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

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