Artist: George Primrose
Author: James A. Bland
Year: 1878
James Bland's songwriting career began when this white minstrel star adopted this ballad of his. Publication followed that same year. Official state song of Virginia until 1997.
Covers:
Len Spencer [first American who became notorious through his recordings (1890s); see: Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-Der-E]
Alma Gluck [first millionseller]
James Bland was the first important Afro American songwriter (the black Stephen Foster; see: The Old Folks At Home and My Old Kentucky Home). Paid his dues in Minstrel Shows (1854-1911). Wrote this in 1878 as a member of Callender's Georgia Minstrels.
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)