I'd like to know if there is an online index or some better way than to google for hours.
I know that, for example, Bill Monroe claimed to have written dozens of old time trad tunes, but that doesn't make it so. I would like to know if there's a way to get to what's consensus in the old time community.
I'd like to know in general, but I do have a specific reason for asking.
I'm in a Swedish band mainly performing American old time mountain music. On this fourth record of ours we have recorded some tunes that I'm uncertain of if they are traditional or not. I'd like to get it right so that if there is a living person who wrote, or adapted it in an extent that it is to be considered a new tune, get credit.
Here's the plan for the Rockridge brothers 2016 album btw:
1. HOLD THE WOODPILE DOWN - I believe i trad
2. ALL GONE NOW - I believe it is written by GEORGIA YELLOW HAMMERS first recorded on "Johnson's Old Grey Mule" 1929. Which means that it is free for us to record. Or? We would still like to give the right persons credit. How do I find out who he, she, or they are? http://country-music-archive.com/country-cds/georgia-yellow-hammers-johnsons-old-grey-mule/
3. HANDSOME MOLLY - I believe i trad
4. I'LL NEVER LIVE AGAIN - mine
5. JACK OF DIAMONDS - I believe i trad
6. LOST JOHN - I believe i trad
7. EAST VIRGINIA BLUES - I believe i trad
8. POORE MAN - We heard it of the Louisiana Honeydrippers LP Bayou bluegrass (1972?). Credited Dave Rankin. Did he write it, originally? Not "just" adapted and gave put new lyrics to a trad? (Btw: Hard to say if it inspired Dylans Ballad of Hollis Brown, but seems lightly. Or?)
9. I'VE GOT A BULLDOG - I believe i trad
10. PRETTY FAIR MAIDEN - Trad. Or would you say that Tim O'Brian wrote it?
11. JESSE JAMES - Plank road stringband?
12. INDIAN ATE A WOODCHUCK - I believe i trad
13. ELKHORN RIDGE - I believe i trad
14. STEAM POWERED AIRPLANE - That would be Mr John Hartford, right? No funny business there?
15. BLACK EYED SUZIE - Trad?
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