Roscoe Holcomb (1912-1981)

Across The Rocky Mountain (recorded 1972)



Man Of Constant Sorrow (recorded 1961)

This year is the centenary of the birth of the great Roscoe Holcomb, who was born in Kentucky in 1912. He's the man for whom the term 'high lonesome sound' was actually coined and if you listen to these tunes, you will hear why. Haunting, soulful, beautiful. Roscoe sang what is often called 'old time' music, which included hymns, ballads and blues from the folk tradition of Southern USA. He was a master of both banjo and guitar and a massive influence on many artists of the 50's and 60's folk revival. That's Pete Seeger you see with him as he sings 'Across The Rocky Mountain'.