I've just seen a message on Facebook from the Alan Lomax Archive that they are planning to release a 2-CD set of recordings of Bessie Jones recorded by Alan Lomax between 1959 and 1966. Some of the recordings are previously unreleased, and include Bessie singing with the Georgia Sea Island Singers and others such as Rev Gary Davis. The CD set is due out in October 2014 on the Tompkins Square label, and it should be a great tribute to this wonderful singer.

The Archive has marked the announcement with a YouTube recording of Bessie singing Diamond Joe. Bessie died 30 years ago today, on 17 July 1984, aged 82.

The Alan Lomax foundation, the Association for Cultural Equity, has a very good article about Bessie Jones.

Matthew