Date: 5/22/2015

Place: Black Mountain NC

 

Legendary ballad singer living in Black Mountain, NC.
I visited her home cradled in blue ridge mountains. She and her friend gave me a warm welcome.
She told me many stories about Bascom Lamar Lunsford, Cecil Sharp, and herself.
We recorded 5 tunes. Her singing was beautiful, graceful and crystal clear.

When she did my favorite "The Wagoner's Lad", she sang the last verse that I first heard. I thought this was a sad song but her last verse had hope and destined love for a girl and a boy. She said "Well, now you got a whole story!"
She also sang me "Shenandoah" which had verses I didn't know.
I asked her when she learned these songs. She said, "I don't even know. It was a long time ago and now I'm a 88 year old frog!"

Thanks Betty for your kindness.
You're still young, beautiful and rocking!