I'm glad I opened up this wonderful can of worms. Josh White's long been a favorite of mine, not only for his musical talent and entertainment skills, but his courage.
He was fearless at a time it could easily have resulted in his death, but Josh looked everyone in the eye and eloquently spoke his mind. I work third shift, so I am up all night here in Mississippi.
I was just listening to "The Four Insurgent Generals" by Robeson on the way home. I found his digitally remastered "Songs Of Free Men", 26 or so songs worth, including "Ol Man River". The Peekskills Riot was a defining moment, and the fact so many white WW2 vets took up Robeson's cause was heartening. A true American hero and musical genius, Paul Robeson. Corrosion- you're either up very late or very early. Mississippi right? What time is it? Close to 5:00 am?
Anyhoo-
Couldn't agree more. Have spread the word of songs like One Meatball & Free & Equal Blues at every opportunity. Used them both in the Protest section of a Folk Revival class I created (along with Lead Belly's Nobody In This World Is Better Than Us).
In that same vein, Paul Robeson is another hero. His courage at the Peekskill riot alone is a testament to what he was about.
Edit;
I know how you feel Corrosion. I flipped a coin to decide. I don't think it matters much to either of us. I'm not here for points. And on top of it, Josh White also cut some tracks for V-disc.
Great talent, patriot, socially conscious. | 