Speaking of "Palace Grand" see kendall and Malcolm Douglas. Is this the song called by its collector, Carl Sandburg - "The Sad Song"? If it is there is only one source for it according to the info I have. It was collected from the singing of May Kennedy McCord in the Ozarks. Vance Randolph also collected it from Mrs McCord and says that it had no local title. He said that in his opinion it came from sheet-music from around the 1890s. Joan Baez recorded it as "Lady Mary" (although the lady's name isn't mentioned in the song). "Palace Grand" is one of the titles given to it.

Just as a small complaint here. Why is this song not referred to as May McCord's song? At least until the author has been found. I see no reason to give songs, that are sung by all of us, away to the latest popular singer of them.