: Commies
In early 1941, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, along with Millard Lampell and Lee Hays, formed what was (with 20/20 hindsight) the first ever folk “super group” called The Almanac Singers. The first recording released by the Almanac Singers was a collection of 7 protest songs titled “Songs for John Doe”. And what were they protesting against? They were mostly protesting against the Selective Service Act of 1940 – which was the first ever peace time draft in America’s history.
“Huh? “, I hear you say, “Of all the things they could be protesting against, why why did they choose the draft?” Here’s the condensed story. The folk movement, as it was back then, was very left wing (even more so then in the 60s) and largely followed the Communist Party line when it came to political/ideological issues. In 1939, Hitler & Stalin signed a non-aggression pact and they divvied up Poland. So in 1940 and early 1941, as America was gearing up the military in anticipation of having to fight Hitler, the Communist Party opposed these efforts – since it was directed against Russia’s nominal ally.
In June 1941, Germany invaded Russia. The Communist Party basically said (think Emily Litella) “Never Mind” and promptly did a 180. I can’t think of another point in history when a political group changed their position so completely in short a time frame. The record company immediately destroyed their inventory of records, and the Almanac Singers started singing and recording songs strongly supporting the war effort. However, what was done could not be undone. In 1942, even though they were very popular at fund raising rallies, the FBI decided that it wouldn’t be right to have these commies getting too popular, so they were banned from most public appearances. The Almanac Singers broke up in 1943.
You can find a far more detailed and nuanced discussion of these events out there on the internet, Wikipedia does a decent job.
Woody Guthrie remains America’s most beloved singer song writer of all time (take *that* Bob Dylan) and Pete Seeger went on to great success with The Weavers. But you know all about that.
Anyway, I inherited the original Songs for John Doe from my late cousin Danny – and after much technical anguish (you don’t wanna know) have digitized them for your listening pleasure. If you go to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sijii1dglnqlqci/PWNY8X7FWX you will see a folder “Songs for John Doe”. It should be pretty intuitive how to download these, but if you’re having trouble, give me a holler and I’ll help you .
Sept 7, Saturday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Arne Englund & The Stumble, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
It’s been a long 3 months since I last played with Arnie, plus this is my first gig of the fall season, so I’m looking forward to this There will be a super tight rhythm section with Matt Patuto on drums and the amazing Matt Raymond on bass (substituting for the also amazing Phil Butler). The weather is supposed to be cooperative tomorrow evening, but if if looks like rain call ahead to see what’s going on as we’re playing out on the patio As always with Ruthie’s – BYOB.
http://www.ruthiesbbq.com/
https://www.facebook.com/arne.englund.1
Sept 8, Sunday, 12:20-1:20 PM – Al Gold and the Suburban Rhythm Kings at The South Orange Blues Festival (SOBF), Essex County South Mountain Reservation at Cherry Lane
The SOBF bills itself as “The largest blues festival in Northern New Jersey” – and I have no reason to doubt their word. There will be plenty of great food and the music will go from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Al Gold and SRKs are the second act and it will be a party and 1/2 since VD King will also be joining in. There is a slight chance of showers on Sunday – I believe this goes on rain or shine.
http://southorangebluesfestival.com/index.html/http://www.myspace.com/algoldthesuburbanrhythmkings
Sept 20, Friday, 9:00PM-1:00AM – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
I was missing in action from the August show but BOD managed without me just fine. If the weather is nice there will be the usual cavalcade of bikes in the front, and there will be the usual carnival of music inside.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
Sept 21, Saturday, 8-9:30 PM – Lunatic Fringe, Glen Ridge Community Center @ The Glen Ridge Train Station, 228 Ridgewood Avenue (corner of Bloomfield Avenue), Glen Ridge, NJ Reservations: (973) 429-1527
This is the start of the 16th season – sweet 16 indeed. I’m sure there will be plenty to laugh at. Let’s see if they can avoid making any “Weiner” jokes.
http://www.lunaticfringeimprov.com
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53938723078&ref=ts
Sept 28, Saturday, 11:30AM-12:30PM – Better Off Dead in scenic downtown Bloomfield – Bloomfield Harvestfest
Better Off Dead will shake the rafters and wake any late sleepers in downtown Bloomfield. Where it is exactly I do not know, but if you go anywhere in the general vicinity of downtown Bloomfield just follow the large crowds of folks who will be seeking out that amazing music. If I know him, VD KIng will likely compose a special harvesting song just for the occasion.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm
http://www.eventcrazy.com/Bloomfield-NJ/events/details/11916-Bloomfield-HarvestFest