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Music Down Home: An Introduction to Negro Folk Music, U.S.A.

Various Artists
Music Down Home: An Introduction to Negro Folk Music, U.S.A.

This 1965 recording traces the evolution of African American folk music from the South. The oral tradition of folk music in the African American community has demonstrated a perseverance through the eras of slavery and segregation while embracing and influencing American popular music through songs, lyrics and performance.

33 songs, 1.4 hours, with liner notes by producer Charles Edward Smith detailing the historical underpinnings of African American folk music and background notes on songs including lyrics.

*Content Advisory: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings holds a large volume of sound recordings, some of which were recorded almost a century ago. Preferred terminology has changed throughout the history of our catalog’s existence. This publication reflects wording that was preferred at the time, though it may be used pejoratively today.
For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

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101
Huddie Ledbetter
01:38
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102
Annie Grace Horn Dodson
01:18
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103
Annie Grace Horn Dodson
00:47
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104
Enoch Brown
00:44
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105
Annie Dodson
00:47
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106
Rich Amerson
01:26
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107
Rosie Hibler and family
01:57
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108
Annie Dodson
02:32
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109
Dorothy Melton
01:56
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110
Dock Reed and Vera Hall Ward
02:37
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111
Rich Amerson and Earthy Anne Coleman
04:30
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201
Fisk Jubilee Singers
02:13
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202
Little Brother Montgomery and Group
02:23
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203
Vera Hall Ward
00:48
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204
Rich Amerson
01:59
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205
Children of East York School, East York, Alabama
01:25
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206
Rich Amerson
01:53
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207
Sonny Terry
03:08
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208
Prisoners at the Ramsey and Retrieve State Farms, Texas
04:55
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301
Mozelle Moore
03:13
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302
Brownie McGhee
03:18
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303
Snooks Eaglin
02:54
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304
Victoria Spivey
04:36
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305
Big Bill Broonzy
02:20
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306
Big Bill Broonzy
03:43
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307
Rich Amerson
04:55
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401
Gus Cannon
01:45
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402
Furry Lewis
04:48
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403
Gus Cannon, Will Slade, Charlie Burse
02:53
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404
Willie Thomas and Butch Cage
04:11
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405
Sonny Terry's Washboard Band
03:08
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406
Huddie Ledbetter
02:30
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407
Montgomery Gospel Trio
02:34