Virginia Traditions: Virginia Work Songs

Few states in this country can boast of more diverse folkways than Virginia. Many of the material objects—such as barns, tools, and furniture—reflect the traditions that shaped the lives of its earliest settlers and the generations of Virginians who followed. The Commonwealth’s performance traditions of songs, tunes, and tales also tell of a shared heritage involving all classes of people in every facet of life. Because traditions naturally change over time, the documentation of Virginia folk culture is an ongoing process essential to our understanding of the past, present, and future. By recording the folkways of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Institute of Ferrum College and its BRI Record label strive to foster a greater appreciation of our folk roots through an array of interpretive programs.

Track Listing

101	On a Monday John Williams and Group	03:39
102	Oh Lord, They Don't 'Low Me to Beat 'Em Willie Williams	02:35
103	Biting Spider Willie Williams and Group	02:38
104	The Man Was Burning Joe Lee	01:20
105	Can't You Line 'Em James Wilson and Group	01:54
106	The New Burying Ground Willie Williams and Group	03:21
107	Evalina Crew of the Charles J. Colonna	03:25
108	Drinking of the Wine Walter Kegler and crew of the "Barnegat"	01:57
109	Every Mail Day William Thompson and Group	02:47
201	Lazarus William Thompson and Group	03:09
202	Sleep On Lena Thompson, Lucy Scott, and Lucy Smith	02:33
203	Come Along Down John Mantley, Raleigh Griffin, Ernest Johnson, Lee Wynn, and William Wynn	02:02
204	I’m Not Paying Them for Singing Lee Wynn	01:47
205	On My Way to New Orleans Lee Wynn and John Mantley	02:36
206	Wade in the Water Rev. Timothy Hayes and Group	03:29
207	I Don’t Want Nobody Stumbling over Me Creola Johnson, Audrey Davis and Group	04:03
208	Sitdown Servant Rev. Timothy Hayes and Group	03:17