Chain Gang

by Joshua White and His Carolinians

Chain Gang cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1940
  • Label: Columbia
  • Country: United States
  • Community rating: 3.35/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Tackling the grim realities of forced penal labor, this evocative project combines stark blues picking with tight, call-and-response vocal harmonies. The thematic focus provides a harrowing look into systemic oppression and the endurance of the human spirit. The recordings bridge rural folk traditions with potent socio-political consciousness.

Genres

Descriptors: Vocal Group, Acoustic, Conceptual, Protest, Melodic

Tracklist

  1. Nine Foot Shovel
  2. Chain Gang Boun'
  3. Trouble
  4. Goin' Home, Boys
  5. Cryin' Who? Cryin' You! (Part 1)
  6. Cryin' Who? Cryin' You! (Part 2)
  7. Told My Cap'n
  8. Jerry

Credits

  • Josh White & His Carolinians - primary artist
  • Bill White - baritone vocals [uncredited]
  • Sam Gary - bass vocals [uncredited]
  • Leonard de Paur - conductor [uncredited]
  • Alex Steinweiss - cover
  • Bayard Rustin - tenor vocals [1st tenor v] [uncredited]
  • Carrington Lewis - tenor vocals [2nd tenor v] [uncredited]
  • Josh White - vocals, guitar [uncredited]

More from Joshua White and His Carolinians: full discography