NRR Project: 'Folk Songs of the Hills' (1946)

 

NRR Project: “Folk Songs of the Hills”

Performed by Merle Travis

Recorded 1946

34:23

Merle Travis (1917-1983) was the real deal. A songwriter, singer, and expert guitarist, he made his way up through the ranks of country artists and found enduring fame. He wrote “Sixteen Tons” and “Dark as a Dungeon,” both classics. Both can be found on this record.

At the time, Travis had a decent solo career going; additionally, he was a member of the Brown’s Ferry Quartet, a gospel group. He recorded “soundies,” short filmed performances that were played much like a jukebox. His reputation was solid.

Then his label, Capitol, asked him to record an album of folk songs. He came up with “Folk Songs of the Hills,” an eight-song album that featured traditional tunes as well as his own compositions.

His style is simple and straightforward, and he includes little verbal introductions to each of his selections, referring to the listeners as “boys and girls,” which make one think he made this record with children in mind. He performs “Nine Pound Hammer,” “John Henry,” and the gospel song “I Am a Pilgrim.”

The result is a primer on folk and folk-style music. These songs would be covered countless times by others, and would become standards in the American song book.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: Harry Choates plays Jole Blon.