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Books > Music
The ballad "John Henry" is the most recorded folk song in American
history and John Henry-the mighty railroad man who could blast
through rock faster than a steam drill-is a towering figure in our
culture. But for over a century, no one knew who the original John
Henry was-or even if there was a real John Henry. In Steel Drivin'
Man, Scott Reynolds Nelson recounts the true story of the man
behind the iconic American hero, telling the poignant tale of a
young Virginia convict who died working on one of the most
dangerous enterprises of the time, the first rail route through the
Appalachian Mountains. Using census data, penitentiary reports, and
railroad company reports, Nelson reveals how John Henry, victimized
by Virginia's notorious Black Codes, was shipped to the infamous
Richmond Penitentiary to become prisoner number 497, and was forced
to labor on the mile-long Lewis Tunnel for the C&O railroad.
Nelson even confirms the legendary contest between John Henry and
the steam drill (there was indeed a steam drill used to dig the
Lewis Tunnel and the convicts in fact drilled faster). Equally
important, Nelson masterfully captures the life of the ballad of
John Henry, tracing the song's evolution from the first printed
score by blues legend W. C. Handy, to Carl Sandburg's use of the
ballad to become the first "folk singer," to the upbeat version by
Tennessee Ernie Ford. We see how the American Communist Party
appropriated the image of John Henry as the idealized American
worker, and even how John Henry became the precursor of such comic
book super heroes as Superman or Captain America. Attractively
illustrated with numerous images, Steel Drivin' Man offers a
marvelous portrait of a beloved folk song-and a true American
legend.
With a series of 'music in care' books aimed at supporting adults
through a range of life's situations using music, John Osborne has
collaborated with a new young author to bring fresh perspective on
how the power of music can affect a young person's life. Coping
with moving to a new school can be a difficult and challenging time
for any young person but it can be even more problematic if you are
on the autistic spectrum. This book tells the story of Luke Fiddes
a remarkable young man and talented musician. It explains how Luke
became aware of his different and special status and how he learnt
to manage this. It also contains a self help manual for all young
people which is designed to help deal with the struggles of
adolescence using personalised music. This heartwarming, funny and
frank account of Luke's journey gives a remarkable insight into
some of the challenges but also the surprising benefits of living
with Asperger syndrome. "I love my autism because I love music."
Luke Fiddes
Alfred's Basic Prep Course, Lesson Book A is specifically designed
for beginners who are five years old and up. Through the use of
appealing music and attractive illustrations, it is no wonder that
Lesson Book A is the most widely used young beginner's piano book
now available. This course takes into consideration the normal
attention span, as well as the small-sized hands of the young
beginner. Shortly after beginning, the young student will be able
to play "Merrily We Roll Along." The complete Prep Course consists
of six books (Levels A through F). This course is most effective
when used under the direction of a piano teacher or experienced
musician.
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