"Public Domain is critical to our society. PublicDomain2ten's collection of musical gems is fabulous." Matthew King Kaufman, Fun Fun Fun Recordings
Blind Blake – “Diddie Wa Diddie” (mp3)
Blind Blake was born Arthur Blake in Jacksonville Florida. During Blind Blake’s prosperous career he recorded over 75 cuts for the Paramount label. “Diddie Wa Diddie” shows off Blind Blake’s distinctive vocal and guitar rhythm. This song was later covered by Ry Cooder and Hot Tuna. I only wish somebody would tell me what “Diddie Wa Diddie” means.
Garfield Akers & Joe Calicott – "Cottonfield Blues (Part One)"
This is one of the few blues recordings that has a bonafide recording date – September 23, 1929. Garfield Akers on lead guitar and vocals with Joe Calicott on second guitar and is often cited by musicologist as one of the greatest blues guitar duets of all time. The intensity and raw passion of these great guitarist is clearly apparent as Garfield and Joe shine with rhythmic complexity and raw passion.
Henry Thomas – “Texas Easy Street” mp3
Born in 1874 in Big Sandy, TX, Henry Thomas was part of the first generation to be born out of slavery. He learned to hate cotton, but found solace in songwriting. “Texas Easy Street” was recorded in the mid-1920s and shows how Henry Thomas truly made his guitar swing. This is some heavy blues from Uncle PD to you. Enjoy!
.
Leadbelly – “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” mp3
More than any other black folk-blues artist of his time, Leadbelly helped expose his race’s vast musical riches to white America and helped preserve a folk legacy that has become a significant part of this nation’s musical treasury. Kurt Cobain sang this song on Nirvana’s Unplugged album.
