"...which melody for Shady Grove is the oldest: the one that has the minor chord progression (ie, Em-D-Em-G-Em-D, etc.), which I first heard as a folk tune in the 60's, or the one that bluegrassers do, which is a major chord progression (G-D-G, etc.), but has a definite old timey sound. Do any of you Mudcatters know which is the older ??"

Interesting question Les. My guess would be neither, but the minor would sound closer. I guess this because, from what I was taught, it was originally played in a modal tuning.

I play the most interesting version I've ever heard *grin* ----- I play it in DropD tuning like;

[Dm]Shady Grove my li'l [Am7] love,
[Dm]Shady Grove I say,
[F]Shady Grove [C] my li'l love
[Am}I'm comin' home to [G(5)] stay.

The melody fits easily under your fingers in little hammer-ons and pull offs and the surprise ending in G is quite satisfying.

Also, agreed, with kytrad -- nothin' 'bout barefoot and pregnant. Just barefoot.