Commentary by Alan Lomax and Big Joe Williams on Becky Deem

Audio file
Date recorded: February , 1966
Contributor(s): Performer: Lomax, Alan; Performer: Williams, Big Joe; Recordist: Halifax, Joan
Subject(s): Ledbetter, Huddie (Lead Belly) Becky Deem (Song)
Genre: interview/commentary
Instruments: voice
Setting: Alan Lomax's apartment, 670 West End Ave.
Location: New York City, New York, United States
Physical form: Reel to Reel
Tape number: 2025
Track Number: 14
Archive ID: 2025R14
Note: Brief talk on "Becky Deem," which Lomax (presumably) learned from Lead Belly. Williams says he never sang the song himself but heard it sung; that he thinks Lomax sings it the "right way."
Belongs to: New York City 2/66
About the session: Big Joe Williams and Alan Lomax swap songs and accompany each other along with occasional vocal contributions from Mable Hillery at the apartment Lomax shared with John Henry Faulk at 670 West End Ave. It's not known if there was a purpose intended for the recording beyond documenting the casual event. Joan Halifax is credited as the recordist on the tape box.
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