965. The Johnson Boys (Traditional American)

This song seems to have begun as a fiddle tune, probably adapted from the Irish tune "Doran's Ass", which dates back to about 1860. There are two main versions known, this one possibly being a parody of the other, which is about soldiers in the civil war, though some have suggested that the more serious version was based on this song - a kind of anti-parody.

I believe the first recording was by Al Hopkins & His Buckle Busters (May, 1927). I first heard it sung by The Weavers. Others who recorded it include Frank Proffitt, The New Lost City Ramblers and Bluegrass Messengers.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• fiddle
• courtship
• weavers
• new
• lost
• city
• ramblers
• bluegrass

[TheFolksinger]

Really nice, and makes me want to do my version as a companion. Your second verse, and the last one are completely new to me. And thanks for including the fiddle as well. Five stars.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Bill. Just caught up with your excellent version.

[mktmic7]

very good*******

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Mike.

[OfficialArmonist]

Awesome playing! Really gettin into it!

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for your comment.

[raymondcrooke]

I sing a version of that song called "Oh, No, John", but the tune is quite different.

You can see it here:

/watch?v=I2lZNTcqRD4

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks for your generous comment, Dan.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks, Max. A song like this does need to be done with energy I think.

[raymondcrooke]

Just what I was thinking , Serge. : -)