Thanks, Flash: I have the 16 most requested songs CD. The version of Mockingbird is similar to the Okeh recording, but they smoothed it out and made it more commerically appealing. The Okeh recording (which I still have on 45 rpm) is almost a capella... a slapped bass sets the rhythm and is basically the only instrumental accompaniment. I'd have to go back to listen to it to see if I can hear any other isntruments. If there any, they're mixed way back.

The song is interesting to me because it says that God created the mockingbird first and it was the mockingbird who taught the songs to all the other birds at the beginning of creation. Yes, I realize this is not a literal explanation of the difference in bird's songs. But, it's a great song, and a humorous imagery. We have mockingbirds who nest right outside our window every year. They are a delight... sing their hearts out, doing lousy imitations of other bird calls. Mockingbirds are the lounge singers of the bird kingdom.

Snappy looking, too with a soft grey tux with fashionable white trim in their long tails.

Jerry