"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.
Charlie McCoy – “Baltimore Blues” (mp3)
Mississippi blues man Charlie McCoy was an anomaly in his time. Known for having one of the sweetest voices in recorded blues, he was also an accomplished mandolin player. In “Baltimore Blues” (recorded in Chicago, August 16, 1937) Charlie proselytizes his favorite American city, Baltimore, which, according to his song, is a city where the women and booze flow wildly like the mighty Mississippi.
Billie Holiday – “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” (mp3)
You know that an artist is truly iconic when they have the ability to transport the listener to a magical far off place. Billie Holiday does this with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Recorded live in the equally iconic Savoy Ballroom on June 30, 1937, she is backed here by another music icon, Count Basie and his Orchestra.
Blind Willie Reynolds – “Third Street Women Blues” (mp3)
As with many poor black Americans of his time, the exact birth place, date, and name of Blind Willie Reynolds is a mystery. What is known is Blind Willie Reynolds was one of the more eccentric musicians of his day. He used his music in subversive ways, commenting on society as he toured the South, minstrel style. Blinded from a shot gun blast to the face, this only heightened his guitar playing to levels most guitarists only dream of achieving. “Third Street Women Blues” was recorded on September 26, 1930 in Memphis TN.
