Rock Evolution – The History of Rock ’n’ Roll - Pop pre-1960 (pg 38)

[cyan]

A song that covers British and American Folk Music is Matty Groves (aka Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard or Child Ballad 81). The earliest text is from 1613 and can be found on various broadsheets covering the next 300 years. It was noted by Sharp in London in 1908, but was more often collected in the Appalachians and recorded by various artist in the 1930's. From where British artists seem to have relearnt it.

Since then it has been a folk standard - Joan Baez, Fairport Convention, Christy Moore, John Wesley Harding, Ralph Stanley, Tom Waits, Johnny Logan,

For a 1950's version - Jennie Robertson recorded in Scotland but seems to have learnt from American singers

 

[RandolphMABlue]

Terrific writeup on country and folk. For anyone interested in more on the subject, I highly recommend the country music documentary series by Ken Burns. The previously mentioned "History of Rock Music in 500 Songs" podcast series by Andrew Hickey is a great listen.

If rockabilly is included here, I'd suggest Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins. Bye Bye Love by the Everly Brothers would also be a nice edition to the list. So many great songs by the Everly, but this would be a good place to start. It was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, one of the great country songwriting teams.

 

[RobMCFC]

Terrific writeup on country and folk. For anyone interested in more on the subject, I highly recommend the country music documentary series by Ken Burns. The previously mentioned "History of Rock Music in 500 Songs" podcast series by Andrew Hickey is a great listen.

If rockabilly is included here, I'd suggest Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins. Bye Bye Love by the Everly Brothers would also be a nice edition to the list. So many great songs by the Everly, but this would be a good place to start. It was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, one of the great country songwriting teams.

I’ve seen the Vietnam War documentary series by Ken Burns and that was very good. I’m aware of his Country Music documentary but I’ll have to see what streaming platforms it’s on. I’ll definitely watch it at some stage.

Sure “Blue Suede Shoes” is Rock & Roll? That’ll be coming up in week 5. I’ll stick the Everlys in this playlist.

 

[RobMCFC]

A song that covers British and American Folk Music is Matty Groves (aka Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard or Child Ballad 81). The earliest text is from 1613 and can be found on various broadsheets covering the next 300 years. It was noted by Sharp in London in 1908, but was more often collected in the Appalachians and recorded by various artist in the 1930's. From where British artists seem to have relearnt it.

Since then it has been a folk standard - Joan Baez, Fairport Convention, Christy Moore, John Wesley Harding, Ralph Stanley, Tom Waits, Johnny Logan,

For a 1950's version - Jennie Robertson recorded in Scotland but seems to have learnt from American singers

Can’t find that on Spotify, I’m afraid. Is there a suitable pre-1960s version you can suggest?

 

[Saddleworth2]

I’ve seen the Vietnam War documentary series by Ken Burns and that was very good. I’m aware of his Country Music documentary but I’ll have to see what streaming platforms it’s on. I’ll definitely watch it at some stage.

Sure “Bkue Suede Shoes” is Rock & Roll? That’ll be coming up in week 5. I’ll stick the Everlys in this playlist.

Never thought of the Everlys as country. Maybe my mistake. So are S and G too? It shows how genre blind I am.

 

[RobMCFC]

Never thought of the Everlys as country. Maybe my mistake. So are S and G too? It shows how genre blind I am.

I’d class them as Rock & Roll but they definitely operated in that crossover area with country and are considered pioneers of country rock.

 

[RandolphMABlue]

I’d class them as Rock & Roll but they definitely operated in that crossover area with country and are considered pioneers of country rock.

I'd say the Everlys definitely had country roots but did move into that country/pop/rock crossover area along with Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and others. A lot of blurry lines. The Everly Brothers - Harmonies from Heaven is a good documentary if you can find it.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I'd say the Everlys definitely had country roots but did move into that country/pop/rock crossover area along with Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and others. A lot of blurry lines. The Everly Brothers - Harmonies from Heaven is a good documentary if you can find it.

I’ve seen it and love listening to them plus the best of S&G. Heavenly. I suppose I associate S&G more with folk music than country but that’s for later.

 

[cyan]

Can’t find that on Spotify, I’m afraid. Is there a suitable pre-1960s version you can suggest?

Tricky!

however Little Musgrave by Jean Ritchie appears to be recorded in 1960
and if there is even more leeway then Matty Groves by Joan Baez is 1962

 

[BimboBob]

Can I pick The Kingston Trio - Tom Dooley.

About the only country/ folk song I remember hearing growing up. Must have been my Grandma because my dad detested country music!!