Origins: Author of 'The Klan'

Subject: Origins: Author of 'The Klan'
From: Shimbo Darktree
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 08:20 PM

This song is in DT, but does not mention the author.

Author was Alan Grey, in 1951 (see Reprints from Singout! vol.1). Thought it might be nice to add this info to the song

Subject: RE: Origins: Author of 'The Klan'
From: Frankham
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 08:29 PM

The author of this song was the actor Alan Arkin. He wrote this as a fairly young man as I recall. Alan went on to be in the group the Tarriers and in addition to his considerable talent as an actor, was a good guitarist and singer. A lot of those names used were as a protection against McCarthy in the 50's.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Origins: Author of 'The Klan'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:41 AM

Hi, Shimbo - I think you didn't read far enough in the Sing Out! Reprints book. In the introduction, it says,

"Elizabeth Knight brought this hard-hitting song to Hootenanny audiences in New York after learning it from Alan Grey in San Cristobal this past summer. It is presented here in low register - as Elizabeth herself does it."

..but then it goes on to say that the song is by Alan Arkin and David Arkin, copyright 1951 by Sanga Music. Check the crosslinks above for the tune and corrected lyrics.
-Joe Offer-