The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #49521 Message #747921
Posted By: toadfrog
14-Jul-02 - 05:09 PM
Thread Name: Help: What became of Earl Robinson
Subject: What became of Earl Robinson
He was the composer of "Joe Hill" and "Ballad for Americans, and "Same Boat Brother (which Leadbelly sang)." And probably more songs in "Sing Out," of which I lost my copy long ago. I heard him give a talk on what folk music was back in the mid 1950's, and I still think it was a right good talk, although he threw in some political ideas I do not entirely agree with.
I last heard of him in or about 1980, when some people I met told me he was living in Oakland, California and identified with a group called "Birds of Assisi."
I have often wondered if he was still alive, and if so, what he was doing. A search on line shows (1) his birthday was celebrated in 1985, so he must have been around then, and (2) "Earl Robinson" is a very common name.