Folk Songs of the Hills

by Merle Travis

Folk Songs of the Hills cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: June 1947
  • Label: Capitol
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 34:23
  • Community rating: 3.49/5 from 5 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Centered around the harsh realities of Appalachian coal mining, this record introduced the complex fingerpicking style that would eventually bear the artist's name. It effectively combined traditional song structures with original compositions, including the legendary 'Sixteen Tons'. The project fundamentally shaped the subsequent evolution of country guitar playing.

Genres

Descriptors: Folk, acoustic, history, folklore, christian, melodic, monologue, death, folk, male-vocals, guitar-led, virtuosic

Tracklist

  1. Nine Pound Hammer (2:39)
  2. John Henry (3:05)
  3. Sixteen Tons (2:50)
  4. Dark As A Dungeon (2:47)
  5. That's All (2:59)
  6. Over By Number Nine (3:07)
  7. I Am A Pilgrim (2:51)
  8. Muskrat (2:34)
  9. John Bolin (2:54)
  10. Possum Up A Simmon Tree (2:36)
  11. Barbara Allen (4:02)
  12. Lost John (1:54)

Credits

  • Holy Moses - primary artist
  • Chris Luft - backing vocals
  • Danny Lilker - bass, piano
  • Gregory John McCormick - music by, lyrics by
  • Eddie Clarke - lyrics by, music by
  • Ian Fraser Kilmister - lyrics by, music by
  • Phil Taylor - lyrics by, music by

More from Merle Travis: full discography