Here's a quote from the Joan Baez Songbook (1964, edited by Maynard Solomon):

This spiritual-lullaby probably originated in the antebellum South, from where it was transported to the West Indies. It appears to have died out in this country, only to be discovered in the Bahamas. From there it was reintroduced to us, eventually becoming one of the standards of the popular folk song movement.

CDNow shows recordings by Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Anita Carter (?), Dick & Dee Dee (?), Highwaymen, Impressions (?), Nana Mouskouri (!!!), Paul & Margie (Golden Bough), Peter & Gordon, PP&M (In the Wind), Ray Stevens, Seekers, and Kelly Family. There's also a recording by Mickey Newbury (part of his "American Trilogy," along with "Dixie" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" - also recorded by Elvis Presley).
-Joe Offer-