"Recorded by Alan Lomax, New York City, March 2, 1947. This album was originally released by United Artists in 1959 and reissued in 1990 by Rykodisc"--P. [39] of insert. Compact disc. Introduction and footnotes by Alan Lomax, full text of three-way conversations and songs, and the singers' biographies by Matthew Barton ([40] pages : illustrations) inserted in container.
Contents:
Life is like that (2:56) / Memphis Slim, Big Bill Broonzy, and Sonny Boy Williamson -- Conversation begins (3:38) / Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson -- Lining hymn (1:20) / Unidentified leader and congregation -- Conversation continues (1:12) -- I could hear my name ringin' (3:32) / Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim -- Conversation continues (3:56) -- Levee camp and prison songs/Conversation continues (6:36) -- Stackalee (2:17) / Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Boy Williamson -- O 'Berta (1:29) / Bull and group -- Conversation continues (1:36) -- Murderer's home (:47) / Jimpson and group -- Conversation continues (:21) -- Don't you hear po' mother callin'? (1:23) / Hollie Dew, Bull, and group -- Conversation continues (:37) -- Slow blues (1:10) / Memphis Slim -- Conversation continues (9:34) -- Conversation continues (7:48) -- Fast boogie (2:45) / Memphis Slim -- Black, brown, and white blues (2:19) / Big Bill Broonzy (previously unreleased).
Summary:
These archival recordings present recollections of the Mississippi blues musicians Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Boy Williamson as told to Alan Lomax. Through conversation with one another, the musicians explore the origins, meaning, and development of blues music among Black Americans in the South. Includes examples of each musician singing and playing the blues as well as prerecorded field recordings of Black folk songs.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.