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Grand Canal Ballads: History of the Erie Canal

The Golden Eagle String Band
Grand Canal Ballads: History of the Erie Canal

The Golden Eagle String Band presents stories about the Erie Canal through song. Opening in 1825 and linking Lake Erie to New York City by way of the Hudson River, the Erie Canal was a major force in the commercial life of New York State, creating many jobs as well as rich folklore. The album includes perhaps the best known and best loved canal song, “Low Bridge, Everybody Down.”

The Golden Eagle String Band is composed of 16 musicians (plus four children), who, in addition to singing, perform on 12 different folk instruments. For another Smithsonian Folkways recording of New York State songs performed by the Golden Eagle String Band, see Body, Boots and Britches: Folk Songs of New York State (FW32317).

Liner notes detail the history of the canal (including historic photos) and provide the background and lyrics for each song.

Track Listing

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101
Oh! Dat Low Bridge The Golden Eagle String Band 02:54
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102
Paddy on the Canal The Golden Eagle String Band 04:00
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103
Dark-Eyed Canaller The Golden Eagle String Band 01:47
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104
I'm Afloat on the Erie Canal The Golden Eagle String Band 02:09
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105
Ballad of the Erie Canal The Golden Eagle String Band 02:44
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106
Boating on a Bull-Head The Golden Eagle String Band 03:48
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107
Meeting on the Waters of the Hudson and Erie The Golden Eagle String Band 02:33
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201
The Er-i-e The Golden Eagle String Band 03:30
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202
A Trip on the Erie The Golden Eagle String Band 01:18
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203
That Long Canal The Golden Eagle String Band 03:57
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204
Canawler, Canawler, Hoggee on the Towpath The Golden Eagle String Band 01:54
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205
The Raging Canal The Golden Eagle String Band 05:33
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206
The Aged Pilot Man The Golden Eagle String Band 03:19
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207
Low Bridge, Everybody Down The Golden Eagle String Band 03:11