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General Information[]

Performer: Kelly Harrell
Instrumentation: Banjo- Raymond D. Hundley, FIddle-Posey Rorer, Guitar-Alfred Steagall
Date of recording: 1927
Record label: Victor
Serial #: 20787B

Summary[]

(As summarized by Harry Smith, The Anthology Of American Folk Music) "ASSASSIN OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD RECALLS EXPLOIT IN SCAFFOLD PERORATION." (4)

Information On This Song[]

This ballad is based upon the assassination of president James A. Garfield by Charles Giteau (person) on July 2, 1881. This song may be based on a similar ballad entitled: My Name Is John T. Williams. This song is also believed to have been composed by Giteau himself while he was in jail. He would often sing it to visitors.

Albums Featuring This Song[]

  • The Anthology Of American Folk Music
  • Worried Blues (album)
  • Kelly Harrell Vol. 2 (1926-1929)
  • Songs & Ballads of American History and of the Assassinations of Presidents
  • Old-Time Mountain Ballads

Related Articles[]

  • List Of Ballad Renditions
  • Outlaw Ballads
  • Presidential Assassination Ballads

External Links[]

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