According to the Clinch Mt. Sweethearts CD on which Ralph and Gillian Welch
do a version of it, this is an old song, also known as Conversations with
Death, which dates back to early British folksong tradition. It was first
recorded by the Stanley Brothers in 1964 and again by Ralph in 1974. Earlier
recordings were done by Dock Boggs and Charlies Monroe, also Polly Johnson in
1939. Recently, I also heard a version by Roscoe Holcomb on the There Are No
Eyes compilation.
Bluegrass Bulletin Board brought to you by the fan club of
Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys
subscribe or unsubscribe at http://drralphstanley.com/
