Curiosity: Ring the golden bells

Subject: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: toadfrog
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 09:42 PM

I was thinking of adding this song, and looked around. Found it was already on DT, but I thought the following facts are interesting.

It was written by one Daniel de Marbelle in 1887. According to Cyber Hymnal he had a most interesting career. Born in 1818 in France, he shipped on a whaler, then joined the U.S. Navy and served in the War with Mexico. Then he had a second career as a circus clown, the first circus clown according to the above source, with Barnum & Bailey. Having done that, he helped Buffalo Bill organize the Wild West Show.

The song was recorded, probably for the first time, on July 29, 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee, sung by Alfred G Karnes and recorded by Ralph Peer for the Victor label. Just like Ralph Stanley and his Soggy Bottom boys in the film.

Natalie Marchant's website claims that she wrote it (I don't know who she is.) Emmylou Harris's website says it is Traditional. I have heard a recent version which is a lot more powerful than Karnes's, but can't recall who recorded it.

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: Brían
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 10:16 PM

The original Bristol Sessions which have recordings of The Carter Family, Jimmy Rodgers, The Stoneman Family and a whole lot of great gospel and country music, including a recording of that song have been re-released. I can't bear to think of Natalie Merchant singing that song.
Brían.

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 12:08 AM

If you've heard anyone sing anything more powerfully than Alfred Karnes, I'd sure like to hear it! Karnes is one of the most powerful singers I've ever heard. Please let us know who your singer was.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 12:51 AM

There's a charming version by Betty Smith, though I venture it's in a different league than Karnes's.

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: RangerSteve
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:09 PM

It's good to see some Karnes fans out there. his entire output, only a few songs, has been re-issued on the Document label. I think the title is Kentucky Gospel. County Sales carries it.

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 10:16 PM

My own pet version is by the Golden Gate Quartet. Has anyone noticed the similarity between Golden Bells and Cotton Fields at Home (melody, that is).

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 11:03 PM

Alfred G Karnes jumped from "non existant" to the top five of my list of favourite singer-pickers during a five minute listen at the Patons' house. Thanks again Sandy (for the twentieth time)

Rick

Subject: RE: Curiosity: Ring the golden bells
From: toadfrog
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 11:33 PM

Much as I hate to disagree with Dick Greenhaus, the similarity escapes me.

Thanks, Sandy. I have the "Bristol Sessions" disk and will remember to listen to Karnes more carefully. I guess I was discouraged by its scratchiness.