Pete,
This is a great project. I've found that in reasearching interesting songs, things get muddier the deeper you go and I don't think I'd want it any other way.

I think I remember hearing Roy Acuff say Daddy Claxton was a relative of his, but that's hearsay at best.

"Goodnight Irene" is usually attributed to Leadbelly but there were probably earlier versions.

"The Battle of New Orleans" was written by Jimmy Driftwood who, I learned by reading another thread, turns 90 this year.

"Acres of Clams" gets its tune from "Rosin the Bow" which I'm sure someone (not me) has a story about.

"Charlie on the MTA" is still a requested song in the Boston area but it's now the MBTA, Scolly Square is now Government Center, the fare has gone up about 500%, and you don't pay when you get off anymore.