PORTLAND TOWN

Created on 08/08/2002
Latest update on 14/09/2022

Artist: Kingston Trio
Author: Derroll Adams
Label: Capitol
Year: 1962

About the Korean war. Written for a couple who lost a son there and were too old to make a new one.
As witnessed by a minor release on Bounty in the mid-60s, this song was already cut by Adams during their European stay in Milan, Italy ca. 1957. Derroll neglected to secure his copyright, reason why the Kingston Trio credited themselves.

Covers:

1963:

Joan Baez

1964:

Ramblin' Jack Elliott

1965:

Marianne Faithfull

1967:

Derroll Adams [author; with Ramblin' Jack Elliott on guitar; produced by Mike Vernon]

1967:

Belfast Gypsies [Them without Van Morrison]

2002:

Arlo Guthrie [on Banjoman, Derroll Adams tribute cd]

2011:

Vera Coomans

Derroll Adams was a real character, who never even attempted to reclaim his lawfull rights on this song. Portland Town sung by the Kingston Trio in '62 doesn't mention any war aspects, but does repeat a few lines from Derroll's song. Crediting just Kingston Trio's John Stewart however.

Contact


If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:

Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)

info@originals.be

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