Product Description

In 1959, Shirley Collins, a nineteen-year-old folk singer from Hastings set out on an extraordinary journey across the deep American South with Alan Lomax, the great American folklorist. "America Over the Water" blends the personal story of Shirley's relationship with Lomax, with a unique first hand account of America on the brink of the civil rights era. Going to the heart of the blues, spending time with the men on road gangs, in State Penitentiaries and homes and music venues, "America Over the Water" is a major account of a remarkable place at a remarkable time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #275201 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
"Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures" Billy Bragg"

Mojo Magazine
A fascinating musicological documentary. Best of all, a spine-tingling account of the first-ever recordings of Mississippi Fred McDowell.
MOJO ****

Uncut Magazine
An Absolute gem.

Customer Reviews

Telling It How It Was
Shirley Collins,the much loved,honey voiced Sussex singer,tells the story of her journey,along with the song collector Alan Lomax,collecting folk song and music in the Southern States of America (1959-60).
The impetus for the book came from comments made by Lomax in one of his books(The Land Where Blues Began)that made light of her importance to the project-"Shirley Collins the lovely English folksinger was along for the trip"
This account,whilst putting the record straight about her contribution, provides a fascinating read for anyone with the slightest interest in the Blues,life and social conditions in the still-segregated Southern States or the great lady herself.
Her account is enhanced with lovely photographs from the trip,each day's recordings and a full discography.Highly recommended.

A wonderful discovery
I'd never heard of Shirley Collins before hearing her interviewed about this book on the radio - what a fabulous, fabulous discovery. I wish I'd known of her before. This book lives and breathes the tensions of the American South and is rich with its melodies and voices. Shirley Collins comes across as immensely likeable and lovely person and as fantastic as the music she writes about is, the thing that makes this glow is the personal story of her relationship with Alan Lomax.

Billy Bragg describes Shirley Collins as one of Britain's greatest cultural treasures and that she clearly is in spades, but America Over The Water brings us the woman as well as the legend.

Great Read
This is a fascinating read that tells of a time when the world was far slower and things happened at a pace when they could be more easily enjoyed. If you're interested in music and want to understand more about its cultural significance then don't hesitate to buy it.