Greenback Dollar

Subject: Greenback Dollar
From:
Date: 13 Oct 98 - 12:13 PM

When Hoyt Axton composed 'Greenback Dollar', it was issued on 45rpm. I believe this version was done with a 12 string guitar and the album version with a conventional 6 string. Does anyone know if the 12 string version exists anywhere?

Subject: RE: Greenback Dollar
From: Jerry Friedman
Date: 13 Oct 98 - 05:55 PM

I don't. But are you talking about "I don't want your greenback dollar,/ I don't want your silver chain," or some variant? If so, the DT says it was collected in 1937, which I imagine was before Axton was born. (They tell me it was in Oklahoma, but I really don't remember.) Also known as "East Virginia".

Subject: RE: Greenback Dollar
From: Roger Himler
Date: 13 Oct 98 - 07:13 PM

Jerry,

I'm sure Steve is looking for the song performed by the Kingston Trio with the chorus:

And I don't give a damn about a greenback dollar, Spend if fast as I can, For a wailin' song and a good guitar, The only thing that I understand, poor boy, The only thing that I understand.

Written by Hoyt Axton and Ken Ramsey.

The single version, "which has not been heard since its original release, will be featured as a bonus cut on the upcoming KINGSTON TRIO releases featuring the Stewart trio [that is, post Dave Guard] slated for release in 1996." The quote is from the CD pamphlet for The Kingstone Trio, The Capitol Years.

It was not clear from Steve's thread if he was talking about Hoyt's recording on the KT. Hope this is helpful.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Greenback Dollar
From: C.R.
Date: 13 Oct 98 - 09:48 PM

Hey, remember when the KT version of this was on the radio, and a big strum on the instruments served as the "D-word"? Just thought I'd throw that in.

Subject: RE: Greenback Dollar
From: Steve Trott
Date: 14 Oct 98 - 09:27 AM

In order to clarify my question, I am referring to Axton's version of Greenback Dollar. It was issued on 45 and his album (which I have) prior to the KT's version. However, Axton's 45 version is better as it is less slick and more authentic than the KT's.

Subject: RE: Greenback Dollar
From: Jerry Friedman
Date: 15 Oct 98 - 02:47 PM

Thanks for the information!