Most recorded versions of "John Henry" are pretty upbeat, whether by blacks or whites. However, a couple that deviate from this pattern have come to my attention recently.

First, Fiddlin' John Carson, whose version is believed to have been the first to have been recorded. His magnificent (IMHO) 1924 performance can be heard at

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/johnhenry/index.html

Second, Wise Jones, recorded in Fayettville, Arkansas, 1958. To me, this performance sounds like a true lament. It can be heard at

http://www.smsu.edu/folksong/maxhunter/0006/