Master Book of American Folk Song

Subject: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 13 Mar 19 - 02:07 PM

There was an announcement on archive.org today which took me to this blog After 50 Years, Riley Shepard’s “Encyclopedia of Folk Music” is Finally Available by Stacya Shepard Silverman (daughter of Riley Shepard) about this collection and to The Master Book of American Folk Song, the archive download location. The full download is 12 files at ca 4Gb as pdfs.

I've only just started on the downloads, so I can't comment on the contents yet, but it seems to be worth a look at least.

Mick

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: StephenH
Date: 13 Mar 19 - 07:56 PM

Thanks so much for this,Mick.
I've downloaded the files and had a quick look. Looks like it's
going to be extremely interesting to go through.

Just having a listen to the NPR podcast of Riley Shepard's life:
(https://www.npr.org/2018/12/21/679233260/the-cowboy-philosopher-a-tale-of-obsession-scams-and-family

What a fascinating story!

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: StephenH
Date: 27 Mar 19 - 12:26 PM

I thought that it was a shame that this didn't seem to get much notice when Mick first posted it.
I would recommend that Mudcatters have a look at this.
The story is fascinating, as is the encyclopedia itself.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,SB
Date: 30 Mar 19 - 08:21 PM

Some of the scans to what is effectively a type-written set of booklets is somewhat faint. The scanning needs to have had enhanced contrast. It appears that the black ribbon used might have been a tad worn-out.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 31 Mar 19 - 07:13 PM

Ready to begin the download.

Are there page-breaks?

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,SB
Date: 03 Apr 19 - 06:35 PM

You can download each PDF separately. Total is about 3.5GB. You don't need ll the other files.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 06 Sep 20 - 07:31 PM

I have original copies of my father's encyclopedia. I did notice that some of the print on the Internet Archives upload was faint. If there's anyone in the Northwest or even California that has a strong interest, my sister and I have several hard copies of the actual manuscript.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 06 Sep 20 - 08:15 PM

This is very interesting. I knew Riley Shepherd in Hollywood. I rented a studio across from his on Hollywood Boulevard. I was teaching guitar when I ran into Riley who had a number of aliases. He was very knowledgeable and I found it hard to reconcile his eminent folk song acumen with his self-admitted writing of pornography. We discussed a music business plan together involving a number of people in the industry whom he knew.

He suggested that it would be a good idea to form a musical outfit that would service publisher's demonstration recordings. I thought it was a good idea and I discussed this with Craig Doerge, (married to Judy Henske). Craig is a brilliant pianist and worked with some seasoned LA musicians. He took to heart the idea and formed a group that became the "Section" for James Taylor. They moved far beyond the demo stage.

I was on the periphery of this scene. I might have even pulled Craig into a session, I don't remember. This all predated the Wrecking Crew.

I never knew exactly what to make of Riley although he was very knowledgeable about the music business as well as folk and country music. He knew my step-uncle, the singer David Street and his actress wife, Mary Beth Hughes. He was the brother of my step-father, Phil Street.

It's strange to hear about a guy I knew in Hollywood who I almost went into business with. I haven't heard his name in years.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 06 Sep 20 - 10:59 PM

I work best with a edited book in hardcopy form.

Would Barne's and Noble be able to print a decent copy?


Sincerely,
Gargoyle

proof reading and format are places I wiil not return.

Subject: RE: Master Book of American Folk Song
From: GUEST,Re: Frank
Date: 13 Nov 21 - 06:15 PM

Hi Frank,
Stacya Shepard Silverman here, Riley’s daughter— I’d love to interview you about your time with Riley.
Www.stacyasilverman.com