The little-told story of AVALON BLUES | Mississippi John Hurt's Rediscovery

This is the little-told history of Avalon Blues, arguably one of the most important recorded works by Mississippi John Hurt. Avalon Blues was originally recorded during his first session in 1928, little did he know this recording would lead us straight to him! The recording is pure mastery, and the rest is history.
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/ kostringworks

[@kostringworks]

Thanks for watching everyone! If ya can't get enough, check out my new series over on my Patreon, Rare Radio. Rare Radio is a weekly deep-dive into my record collection, aimed to highlight overlooked songs and players from the folk tradition.⬇⬇⬇
www.patreon.com/kostringworks

[@kadekozak4830]

Just discovered your channel, and the production/ content quality is IMMACULATE ❤new favorite RUclipsr.

[@kostringworks]

Ah, thanks Kade! Means a lot to hear it! Thanks for saying hey!!

[@IanZNY]

Excellent video. I just listened to that John Hurt record on RUclips. The Avalon Blues from that record is in fact from his 1928 sessions. (Notice how high his voice is in comparison to the other tunes.) It seems to be a compilation. Joe Turner is from the Last Sessions record and Cow Hooking Blues from the 1963 recordings he did in Washington DC after his rediscovery in 1963.

[@kostringworks]

Thanks Ian! Glad ya dug it, thanks for the insight too!

[@Animal23BA]

So cooooolll! Thanks for sharing :)

[@kostringworks]

Absolutely!! Pretty geeky I know!

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

John later said he wrote that song rather spontaneously in New York for those sessions. I've also read that it was experienced session man Tampa Red who showed John around the city while he was there. "New York's a good town but it ain't none of mine. Pretty women in Avalon, want me there all the time."

[@kostringworks]

What a great footnote Jim! I have been pondering how coincidental the New York reference was. Good stuff, thanks!!

[@OurEnemyScalion]

Tampa Red and Mr. Hurt knew each other? Wow

[@MarcoVideoVibes]

Man I love you channel, these videos are so nice to watch, thanks man!!

[@kostringworks]

I truly appreciate the kind words, Marco! Thanks for saying hey!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Excellent stuff, Kyle!
Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@kostringworks]

Thanks Scott! Was a fun little deep dive into this amazing tune. Glad ya tuned in!