Finding real live American blues from the '40s on YouTube (video)


Composer, performer, actor, civil rights activist, McCarthyite commie-smear victim, and '30s-'40s sex symbol Josh White singing "John Henry" in 1941: Video Link.

There's a wonderful user group at YouTube with more rare, old-time soulful stuff like this (including some smokin' vintage gospel): Link to "The Real Blues Group."

Not really related: I've been playing and replaying this video all morning long. Ignore the bird b-roll if you will, but the sound quality's sweet, and it's such a beautiful song. This reminded me, and put the bug in my ear. (Thanks, Tim)