Artist: Norman Blake
Hometown: Rising Fawn, GA
Song: “The Dying Cowboy"
Album: On Top of Old Smoky: New Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music
Release Date: August 21
Label: Great Smoky Mountain Assoc.
In Their Words: "The field recordings collected in the Smokies during the Depression were a treasure trove of old songs and tunes slightly altered from tradition by the influence of radio and records. 'The Dying Cowboy' is a variant of the well-known Western ballad 'The Streets of Laredo.' Sometimes, through the oral and memory process, interesting variations evolve. The many great versions of songs and tunes handed down in the mountains give us an American music of great purity, strength, and originality. Nancy and I, along with Joel McCormick and James Bryan (Rising Fawn String Ensemble), are honored to be included on this very worthwhile project.” — Norman Blake
Photo courtesy of the artist
