Who is this singer?

Subject: Who is this singer?
From: MARINER
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 12:02 PM

I've just been given a home recorded compilation cd.The first track is a version of "Goodnight Irene " .There are no track details,but I think it was originally issued as a freebie with "Mojo " magazine and called "Cash Covers " . Anyone got any idea who sings "Irene"
                                                   Mariner.

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: jimlad9
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 12:18 PM

MARINER

I don't know which version you refer to but the song was written in the 1920/30s by Huddie Leadbetter known far and wide as 'Leadbelly' . He was jailed for murder but released on condition that he recorded all the songs he remembered from his black upbringing.



MARINER

I dont know which version you refer to but Goodnight Irene was written or collected by Huddie Leadbetter known as 'Leadbelly' in the 1920/30s. Leadbelly was jailed for murder but was released on condition that he recorded all the songs from his black culture.

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: MARINER
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 12:47 PM

Aye Jim, I know that, but this singer is definitely not Leadbelly . In fact, he introduces the song by saying "This is one of Leadbelly's songs ,I learned off the record ,which I think is a wonderful song " . He sounds African American and getting on in years.
                      Mariner

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:32 PM

Might be Mississippi John Hurt.

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:33 PM

Michelle Shocked - One Piece At A Time
Waylon Jennings - Folsom Prison Blues
Steve Earle - Hardin Wouldn't Run
Mississippi John Hurt - Goodnight Irene
Robbie Faulks - Cry Cry Cry
Jeb Loy Nichols - Worried Man
Sparklehorse - Dark As A Dungeon
Willard Grant Conspiracy - I Still Miss Someone
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - The Singer
Shelby Lynne - I Walk The Line
This Kid Named Miles - Ring Of Fire
Jawbone - Get Rhythm
Knife In The Water - When The Man Comes Around
Tom Russell - Bacon Rind, Chief Seattle, The Ballard of Ira Hayes
Giant Sand - Wayfaring Stranger / Fly Me To The Moon

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: MARINER
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:51 PM

Thank you Peace, I just knew a Mudcatter would have the answer.

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: Peace
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:54 PM

MARINER: I'm not sure I'm correct. However, if the track lists line up for you, then it was the tribute album compiled for Johnny Cash. Keep well.

Subject: RE: Who is this singer?
From: alanabit
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 02:04 PM

If it was that reedy sounding voice, it was almost certainly MJH, as that is the introduction he used. The MJH version is finger picked, rather than strummed as in the Leadbelly version.