The John Burrison Georgia Folklore Archive recordings contains unedited versions of all interviews. Some material may contain descriptions of violence, offensive language, or negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. There are instances of racist language and description, particularly in regards to African Americans. These items are presented as part of the historical record. This project is a repository for the stories, accounts, and memories of those who chose to share their experiences for educational purposes. The viewpoints expressed in this project do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the Atlanta History Center or any of its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The Atlanta History Center makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interviews and expressly disclaims any liability therefore. If you believe you are the copyright holder of any of the content published in this collection and do not want it publicly available, please contact the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center at 404-814-4040 or reference@atlantahistorycenter.com.
This is the second of a two part recording; this part begins with John Smith (possibly an alias) playing unidentified bluegrass music on his banjo. At minute 4:10, a fiddle player joins in, then at 6:40 Smith introduces the song The World Is Not My Home. They continue to play religious and bluegrass music for the remainder of the recording.
Louie Aunt Lou Viola (Armstrong) McCray (1889-1975) was born to William Armstrong (1946-1914) and Susan (Bodkin) Armstrong (1852-1929) in Highland County, Virginia. In 1909 she married Owen Reese McCray (1877-1953), and they operated the post office in Head Waters, Virginia. She performed as a banjo player with touring folk and country musicians and at Head Waters Presbyterian Chapel. McCray had ten children, including Earl Howard McCray (1926-2001), who was an active member of Head Waters Presbyterian Chapel, the Stonewall Ruritan Club, and the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department. No biographical information about John Smith has been determined.
J: (You) bay you lecumed Jnom youn bnotheM, and they both played banjo ... Aunt Lou: They played ... no, one played the 6-[ddle and one the banjo. And then he'd hang w old 6,lddle up in the hall, uk.e that, and I'd jump up and get .,i,t and Ma.ma. would bhoo me away ( ... ) bhe dldn 't want me to lecum to play a. banjo. She bald a. ba.nj o piek,,i,n' woman' b a. lazy woman. Why I 'm not a.Jnald on any type~ J: Youn panenu dldn't uk.e you to play ... Aunt Lou: My mom dldn 't want me to lecum to play the banjo. J: Vid they uk.e to have you bing? Aunt Lou: Nah, I neven dld tny to bing much. ***"Golden SuppeM" Aunt Lou: I'm gettln' old and I had my bhoulden bnok.e and U' b bothenln' me home. J: What'd you eaU the tune you jUbt played? Aunt Lou: "Golden SuppeM" J: Golden SuppeM. You ea.U that elawha.mmen htyle? Aunt Lou: Yeah, I'm elawha.mmen. I have a. hon though, tha.u mMn.,i,ed and away, he pla.yb tw way -- he' b good. J: Pla.yb Senuggb btyle ... Aunt Lou: Yeah, new btyle. .. but I'm old-timey. I' li play ya. "Liza. Jane." ***Liza. Jane
A PDF transcript exists for this recording. Please contact an archivist for access.
Professor John Burrison founded the Atlanta Folklore Archive Project in 1967 at Georgia State University. He trained undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in his folklore curriculum to conduct oral history interviews. Students interviewed men, women, and children of various demographics in Georgia and across the southeast on crafts, storytelling, music, religion, rural life, and traditions.
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