Coming somewhat late to the table and from far away (Canberra , Australia) this was a song I think I first heard in the early 50s by Paul Robeson and I heard it again yesterday on an old time music show on a Radio for the Sight Impaired network. Again I think it was Paul Robeson - it seemed a little too rich for John Charles Thomas, and it was a bit scratchy but so beautiful that it was probably improved by its imperfections. The lyrics fit the melody so beautifully and the melody is exquisite.