Thursday, April 18, 2013

Record #0328: Rock Island Line / John Henry – THE LONNIE DONEGAN SKIFFLE GROUP



London 1650 (original) USA, Mar. 1956 (UK release in Nov. 1955)
Words & Music by:  Lonnie Donegan
Musicians: Lonnie Donegan (vocals and guitar), Chris Barber (bass), Beryl Bryden (washboard), unknown drummer on side A
Recording sessions: London, UK, Jul. 13, 1954
Highest chart positions:  US #8, UK #8

This is a true classic of UK skiffle. It also made to Top 10 in the States. Furthermore it was the first debut record to go Gold in the UK.

Though credited to Donegan, “Rock Island Line” is largely based on a 1934 blues song by John Lomax. The flip is about the legend of John Henry, an American folk hero.

List price:  Very Good+ is $15, Near Mint is $30

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