Shayne writes:
>Rob Russell has been standing by waiting for an answer to
>this question for about a week: <<On a tangentially related
>note (East TN murder ballads): has anyone ever heard of a
>song called "She Sleeps Beneath The Norris Dam," recorded
>by the Cope Bros.? Or is my banjo playing buddy just pulling
>my leg? Shane take notice: this should be your area of >expertise!>>
>Well, dang. I've looked around and I haven't found any thing >that resembles that,
>but it sure should be a song, shouldn't it?
I missed the original inquiry, but since I have the record in question, I can verify
it's existence. It's on the King label, but I don't have the specifics. I have
another King 78 by the Cope Brothers with "Hills of Roane County" and "My Main Trial
Is yet To Come." I don't know anything about them beyond that they were a brother act
that sang old-time trios and duets backed by guitar, mandolin, and electric guitar in
a style somewhat similar to Charlie Monroe's Kentucky Pardners. I'll see what I can
dig up.
Jim Nelson
I've been meaning to track
down and compile a listing of TVA-related songs and other popular culture
references to the authority of my valley. This sounds like a good excuse to
get started on it. (Plus, the existence of such a song would be a nice
addition to my collection of songs with some connection to my home
county...)
On a related note, does anyone have good recommendations for reading
material relating to the aforementioned Cope Brothers? How about even a
brief biographical clip? I can't find anything in my library beyond a
passing mention of them? What label(s) were they on, blah, blah, blah?
There's a hole in my knowledge and it's name is the Cope Brothers. Any
assistance rewarded in karma.
Take care,
Shane Rhyne
Knoxville, TN
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
NP: Bob Egan
