The minstrel and annex bands were features at the show grounds. Here were a group of colored minstrels, players, band people, under the direction of Edward Rucker... The band plays pretty airs of all kinds, suiting the music nicely to the work in hand. When the snakes were exhibited it played a charming waltz; somehow it fitted the exhibit; others were of similar propriety - The Indianapolis Freeman, July 4th, 1914, quoted in Ragged But Right by Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff
In concert with the Broonzy biography Discussion, here are two Big Bill songs I threw down on my I-phone at the spur of the moment, hence the missing verses
Willy Mae art by Romare Bearden
Just a Dream art by Henri Rousseau (sleeping Gypsy)
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My loathings are simple: stupidity, oppression, crime, cruelty, soft music. Vladimir Nabokov (1899 - 1977)
I especially like that "Willie Mae", Phil, and very much admire the way your singing calls all the shots in terms of your phrasing. That is really cool. All best, Johnm
Really enjoyed both songs, mightily impressed by the sound quality you get from an (apparently) simple set up - but of course the playing and singing had to be of good quality first to achieve this, and it was! Thanks for posting them!