The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-17
Passing of Negro Folk Song
By MRS. F. NEIL SON ANDREWS

tunes, much to the pleasure and marvel of their audience.
 It seems a great pity that some more definite steps have not been taken to preserve the negro folk-song of our southland. It is true there have been few American composers who have gathered and put into their com. positions some impressions made by the negro music. One can not but feel that Foster must have woven many such impressions into a number of his beautiful songs. Yet there is still much that has not been recorded I read an interesting article several months ago by the famous Dr. Elson, calling attention to the passing out of existence the negro folk music. There are many collections of Indian music, which we all know does not compare with. nor does it appeal to us as does the negro music, for there is nothing restful. soothing or melodious in the Indian tunes.
 My mother received from her father his old home and the plantation in Mississippi as a bridal present. This, however, was several years after the war and it was there that I spent my early childhood Often do my recol- lections carry me back to the pleasant memories and to the many soothing anu JON JUS tulidDieS that ueaf OId nanny used to put us to sleep with. and how she would hastily take us to her arms if our feelings were hurt perhaps after a scolding or a petty ache and soon drown our troubles with her aqectionate pat on the back and her soothing songs. In this way she would soon make us entirely forget onr troubles. We'll do I remember the cotton piclSin's,'' when there would be vIrntV A children in a field. They would sing as though they all breathed at the same time. in beautiful unison, just as though some grand director was there Really there was the grand director of heart and soul. Usually after one of these weekly "cott0n pickin's" there was a candy pulling given. All of the The young would join hands. dance and sin. around the big wash pot full of boiling candy, while the older ones Joined in the merry songs. clapped tneir hands and patted their feet, keeping time with the accompanying instrument. which was riddle" or two and a banjo. The only light was
 'pot boiling"-unless the moon chose to shine.
 These Festivities usually lasted till the early morn, and the next day was given over to complete rest.
 Again. I've heard the negro men sing as they were coming homo in the eve. nings. from work with their mules and horses to Hed. water and put up for the night. We could hear thier voices long before they reached the bored we'll (That was where they drank and watered their stock.) We could tell by their p1aintive songs that the days work was done and they were tired. As they nearer came one could hear the trace-chains that danEled at the sides of their animals, seeminr to blend harmony with their rich and mel odious voices.
 As I recall Aunt rildie'' and .suncls Peter" my grandmother's cook and gardener. . feeling of sadness comes over me. They were too old to work when knew them. My rrandfather had given them deed to . few acres and | small homo that they might live the remainder of their lives in rest and quiet. My sister and I. with our iittle friends. enjoyed nothing more than to visit Aunt Tildies she always had something good to cat for us. and never tired of playing on her big &C., eordeon and sfnging her aongs to us. ssUnela Petar" would often take his home-made chair and prep himself ack h it. under tho eha9ew ef big