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Josh White, Jr. leads the program with a look back at the work of his father, a man who was known both for his music and his political points of view. Best-remembered for folk songs that include House of the Rising Son and St. James Infirmary, Josh White began his career in the “race records” market in the 1920s. After developing a following as a blues artist, he was discovered by a wider audience in the ’40s, attracting fans from both sides of the color line. As Josh White’s reputation grew, he began to include his son as his frequent stage partner. Often at his father’s side, Josh White, Jr. developed his own talents, inheriting his father’s love of music and Josh White’s devotion to political causes. Both men saw their careers reach new heights during the folk explosion of the ’60s. Josh White, Jr. remains a popular performer today. His album House of the Rising Son is a tribute to his father and his work. |
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Learn more about this artist on the Josh White Jr. Web site or on the Concertedefforts Web site. |
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Political action also plays a role in Ramblin’ Jack Elliott’s salute to his friend Woody Guthrie. Arguably the most important American folk music artist of the 20th century, Woody Guthrie emerged from the Oklahoma dustbowl with stories and songs that reflected the real-world struggles of Everyman. His impact can still be heard in music from artists including his son, Arlo, and Bob Dylan. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott traveled with Guthrie during the ’50s, learning storytelling and strumming at the foot of the master. Elliott, a self-styled cowboy, in turn influenced the work of Pete Seeger and Jerry Garcia. Woody Guthrie himself once said, “Jack sounds more like me than I do.” In 2000, Elliott’s daughter, Aiyana, produced The Ballad of Ramblin’ Jack, a documentary about her father. |
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Learn more about this artist on the Ramblin’ Jack Elliott Web site or on the Concertedefforts Web site. |
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The life and music of blues legend Leadbelly completes the trio. Odetta pays homage to the composer of such songs as Goodnight, Irene and The Midnight Special. Leadbelly’s life was equal parts musical success and personal struggle with a violent existence. Discovered by folklorists at the infamous Angola prison, he later published and performed his music and toured this country and Europe. Singing since she was 13, Odetta, “The Queen of American Folk Music,” was presented with the National Endowment for the Arts’ “Medal of the Arts” in 1999. |
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Learn more about this artist on the Concertedefforts Web site. |
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