Album Notes

Hard-hitting songs for good times and hard times, composed and arranged during the era of the Great Depression and World War II. These songs, some familiar and some rare, were created for recording companies that wanted to sell 78-rpm phonograph records in the American South and West. But instead of remaining "regional," the music of Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, the Delmore Brothers, Woody Guthrie and others exploded around the world, creating the Country-Western music industry of today. These timely stories of occupation and transportation, in the mines, on the railroads, in the agricultural fields, and forced migration drew a stark image of American lives beyond the confines of modern cities. Their inspiration, even their presentation on guitars, 5-string banjo and mandolin came directly from folk song. You'll find yourself humming, tapping your feet, and singing along as though you've known these songs all your life. And you probably have.