Rebroadcast – originally aired on 11/5/2001.

Some say African American music is all about Saturday night and Sunday morning, blues and gospel. But in the first half of the 20th century, Lead Belly and Josh White gave voice to the fullness of the African American experience, singing songs about life lived during the rest of the week.

Their songs about work, travel, prison, and turmoil told of the complexities of life in a country only half-free. Today, two other legends of American folk are touring the country recalling the sounds and songs of Leadbelly and White.

Odetta, whose long career as the “Mother Goddess of Folk-Blues” was sparked by Leadbelly, is touring with Josh White Junior, who learned at his father’s lap the lessons of a master. And today they join us in the studio.

Guests:

Odetta and Josh White Jr., folk musician.