#1 for week of November 17th, 1958.
The first folk song on the list, and the first real classic song as well. I'm quite familiar with this song, and was pleasantly surprised to see it on here. The Kingston Trio were one of the best and most beloved folk groups of all time. What is is though that makes this song so timeless and haunting?
First the obligatory history. The song dates way back to the late 1800's and is an old Appalachian folk song about convicted murder Tom Dula. The vocal performance by the trio adds emotional resonance to the dark lyrics, which describe the real life murder of Laura Foster and Dula's subsequent hanging.
After a spoken introduction, (which gives a brief history of the song's subject matter), we have the trio's vocals alternating between gentle and mournful, and powerful and gospel-like. Additionally, as the song progresses, we gain harmonies and counter-melodies during the chorus.
The music is very stripped down, just acoustic guitar, banjo, and stand up string bass, and that is all the song needs. All these elements combined create quite a vivid picture, and it all transports the listener back to 1866. Classic folk music remains timeless and this song is no exception. Lyrically and musically, it is flawless. It is simple, yet robust in character.
Final Verdict - "Tom Dooley" is not just one of the best, if not THE best, hit of 1958, it's one of the greatest songs, and adaptations of all time. Easily worth owning, and listening to many many times.
Coming Up Next - "To Know Him Is To Love Him" - The Teddy Bears.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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