Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston's Mesmerizing Performance of "Let the Deal Go Down" (1939 Recording)
Channel: YourCousinJill
Date: 2023-04-25

Welcome, YouTube fam! Today we have an absolute treasure to share with you from Florida's cultural history. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey into the world of Zora Neale Hurston, a literary powerhouse, anthropologist, and folklorist. Get ready to be mesmerized by her enchanting 1939 recording of "Let the Deal Go Down."

While Zora Neale Hurston is widely celebrated for her groundbreaking novels, her passion for documenting African American culture in the South led her on a remarkable path. Collaborating with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, she embarked on an extraordinary mission to preserve African American folktales and songs in Florida. Today, the State Archives of Florida proudly preserves the complete recorded performances of Hurston, featuring 21 awe-inspiring tracks that range from soul-stirring railroad work songs to delightful Bahamian children's tunes.

But let's uncover the inspiring tale that set the stage for Zora Neale Hurston's extraordinary journey. Born in Notasulga, Alabama, in 1891, Hurston's family moved to Eatonville, Florida, when she was just a toddler. Her father assumed the role of pastor at Zion Hope Baptist Church in Sanford, while her mother lovingly cared for their eight children. Surrounded by the captivating stories of neighbors, family, and the enchanting fairy tales she devoured in books, Hurston's imagination flourished.

However, life dealt her a heartbreaking blow when her mother tragically passed away at the tender age of 13. Subsequently, her father remarried, straining their relationship and igniting within young Zora an insatiable desire for independence. In her autobiography, "Dust Tracks on a Road," Hurston poignantly expressed, "The strangest thing about it was that once I found the use of my feet, they took to wandering. I always wanted to go."

And go she did! After the untimely loss of her mother, Zora Neale Hurston embarked on a lifelong journey, traversing various places and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her passion for capturing the essence of African American life propelled her to create a profound and lasting impact.

In this extraordinary video, we invite you to experience the magic of Zora Neale Hurston's captivating performance of "Let the Deal Go Down." As the haunting melodies and poignant lyrics fill the air, you'll find yourself transported to a bygone era, enveloped in the rich tapestry of African American culture.

Join us in celebrating the incomparable legacy of Zora Neale Hurston by smashing that "Like" button and sharing this video with fellow history enthusiasts. Let's ensure that her unique perspective on African American culture and folklore echoes through the corridors of time, inspiring and enlightening generations to come.