I have a friend who burned 238 children's songs (and suitable-for-children folk songs) from the internet for me. There's a version of Pick A Bale Of Cotton on one of the CDs, but because my friend did not provide me with credits on any of the songs, I have no way of knowing who is performing it. The singers are definately black. It sounds as if it was recorded in the 1920's or earlier - if that's possible. There is one main singer, but others are singing along with him. There is just one guitar being strummed hard throughout the entire song. It is such a crude recording that it gave me the feeling the people singing were, in fact, touched by slavery. It, at least to me, is quite a unique recording - not to mention the best version I've ever heard of the song! My question is: Has anybody ever heard this recording I tried my best to describe? If so; could you tell me any history you might know about it? Who recorded it? When? Anything. Hey, I bet Arlo or Pete would know!

That would be Leadbelly. It can be heard on the CD "Leadbelly Sings for Children" on the Smithsonian Folkways label. The background singers heard is the Oleander Quartet. I could only trace it back as far as 1935. Here's a couple links to the song "Pick a Bale of Cotton" and also a link to the lyrics .
When my daughter came in and heard me playing the MP3, she started singing along, knowing all the words. She said "We used to sing that song all the time last year in Music class!"

Hope this helps. <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

I just bought a copy of the DVD "A vision Shared" about Woody and Leadbelly, and there is a video of Leadbelly singing "Pick a Bale of Cotton" (which sounds a LOT like Woody's "All Work Together"). I'd bet that it's probably Leadbelly on the recording. Can't say for sure, though

Here's a short video clip (33 sec.) of Leadbelly singing "Pick a Bale of Cotton". Click on the video icon just above the picture of Leadbelly.
Pat, is this the same video as what's seen in "A Vision Shared"?
http://www.cr.nps.gov/delta/blues/people/leadbelly.htm

<FONT size="1">Aw man, I got that tune stuck in my brain now and can't get rid of it!</FONT s>

Geez, glad I asked the question. Thanks for the info, along with the link to the video clip.

Levi,
I can't get the file to play on my computer--don't know why, but if it's Leadbelly outdoors, maybe on the back of a truck, or on a bale of hay it probably is the same video. The DVD is really neat--"A vision Shared" Performances by present-day artists including our own ADG and Bono and the Boss and EmmyLou Harris, and, and, and--buy or rent it today! (Blockbuster, is the check in the mail?) <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

The recording you have is Pick a Bale of Cotton - Leadbelly and The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet. It was recorded in New York City, June 15, 1940. This was just weeks after Huddie was released from New York's Ryker's Island.

He live in Manhatten when this was recorded and soon became a member of the Headline singers (with Woody Guthrie, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee) who played at union rallies and political benefits.

The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet is Willie Johnson, William Langford, Henry Owens, Arlandus Wilson. They provided vocals to back up Huddie.

The recording is available on RCA Heritage Series Compact Disk on an offering entitled "LEADBELLY Alabama bound"

Mark