The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #59040 Message #938031
Posted By: GUEST,Q
22-Apr-03 - 06:01 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Diamond Joe -- source of tune?
Subject: RE: 'Diamond Joe' -- source of tune?
The song may be descended from "The State of Arkansas." Both carry the same tune. The Traditional Ballad Index cufresno suggests that it could be a Cisco Houston and/or Lee Hays 1959 adaptation from the "State of Arkansas" ("John Johanna"). Belden first noted "State of Arkansas in America in 1906. The Trad Ballad Index notes that it is found in Ireland, but form and date not known to me.