Hickory Wind--Hickory Wind was composed by Gram Parsons in 1968 while riding on a train and was made famous by Emmylou Harris as a crossover folk country song. It is one of those songs that talks about hearth and home and those things people feel remind them of home when they are far away.

Jesus on the Mainline, a bluegrass gospel, one said to be a song Rebecca Oliver liked, sent to me by... read more Bill Watkins of Fandalism. It is part of the tradition of the music of the mountain people of the United States, the type often performed in Pentecostal churches. The film includes video clips from the Internet Archives of the "Holy Ghosters" of Scrabble Creek, West Virginia in the 1960's, but many of the traditions remain in parts of the United States. Jesus on the Mainline is one of those traditional bluegrass gospel songs. Performed by such country elites as Randy Travis and Ry Cooder, it is also done in an old style, gospel blues style with slide guitar.

Brand New Tennessee Waltz--The song Brand New Tennessee Waltz was written by Jesse Winchester in 1970 when he lived in Canada, after moving there to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War. The Stanley Brothers recorded it after Winchester, as it was on Winchester's first album. It was also recorded by Joan Baez. It is not to be confused with Tennessee Waltz made famous by Patti Page. Unable to give author's background as ordinarily we do, as the clip wouldn't accept an addition.

Brand New Tennessee Waltz--The song Brand New Tennessee Waltz was written by Jesse Winchester in 1970 when he lived in Canada, after moving there to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War. The Stanley Brothers recorded it after Winchester, as it was on Winchester's first album. It was also recorded by Joan Baez. It is not to be confused with Tennessee Waltz made famous by Patti Page. Unable to give author's background as ordinarily we do, as the clip wouldn't accept an addition.

An Innocent Man--An original song of the execution in Texas of an innocent man. False testimony and unreliable evidence was used to convict Cameron Todd Whittington of setting fire to his house and killing his children who were inside. This was in spite of the fact that eye witnesses saw Whittington screaming for help, asking for people to call the fire department and showing incredible grief at his loss. Whittington was in prison for 13 years, refusing to make any special deal to receive a lesser sentence than death, asserting his innocence on his deathbed. Governor Perry refused to allow expert testimony refuting the false evidence and the poorly done arson report with the testimony and scientific evidence produced by four professional arson investigators and evidence of a similar case where a man was set free on the basis of finding poorly done arson evidence, outdated and not using scientific methodology. Whittington's cellmate testified Whittington had admitted killing his children, but it was later found the man had lied and was seriously mentally ill. This too was disregarded in denying clemency. The phrase used in the song were reported to have been the last words of Whittington before he was executed by lethal injection. The Innocence Project points to this case in Texas of how an innocent man can be wrongfully executed. Copyrighted by Carol Forsloff, November 8, 2012. An Innocent Man The angels held him, their eyes were weeping When Texas killed an innocent man He pleaded mercy, he cried for justice Still Texas killed an innocent man For years in anguish, his heart had broken Crying out, "Judge, now hear my pleas." But the judge said, "Sorry, we find you guilty With the innocent man on bended knees His babies long dead, his wife in sorrow They claimed he'd set a fire one day That burned his house down, that killed those babies A crime they said for which he'd pay A poor man's fortune, no one to save him, Condemned to die on wicked lies Of false accusers, of faulty witness Yet Texas would not hear his cries The Governor turned his back on justice Heeding not the truth made plain And in the darkness, in his sorrow An innocent man wept once again They strapped him on the death bed table He spoke these words, now all alone, "From dust I came, to dust returning So now the earth shall be my throne." Like God's own Son, while angels wept then The people killed an innocent man And in that kingdom, with Jesus waiting, There finding God shall understand

E Ku'u Morning Dew is a well known song in Hawaii, performed here in both English and Hawaiian, made famous by Melveen Leed, written by Eddie Kamae and Larry Kimura. The video shows pictures of our early romance in the islands, performed with vocals, guitar, ukulele and accordion.

E Ku'u Morning Dew is a well known song in Hawaii, performed here in both English and Hawaiian, made famous by Melveen Leed, written by Eddie Kamae and Larry Kimura. The video shows pictures of our early romance in the islands, performed with vocals, guitar, ukulele and accordion.

Five Hundred Miles-- A famous song with a background based on traditional music, a song called The Railroaders Lament, Five Hundred Miles was initially recorded by the Kingston Trio and later by Peter, Paul and Mary, the popular folk music trio of the 1960's folk music renaissance that spread through the world. An adaptation of The Railroaders Lament, translated into this song, was done by Hedy West. Performed with baritone ukulele, accordion and male and female vocals.

A Man Who Hits a Woman Ain't No Man at All---An original song with a strong beat and dramatic lyrics... read more that is in someway reminiscent of the roots of old country blues mixed with a modern touch. Listen, tap your feet and muse over that song with a slight rockabilly feel and consider the social problem that it relates. Done with guitar, accordion.

Faded Hopes in Faded Jeans--In the tradition of folk music is this original song, a narrative of lost hopes and dreams of young men who can't find work, lose their jobs, lose hope and who are often forgotten along the way. Like Woody Guthrie and others, the songwriter hopes to shine a light on a social problem with original pictures, as well as a sprinkle of those from the Commons, so that we remember those trying to find their way in a world that can be complex and difficult. Copyrighted October 12, 2012, by Carol Forsloff. Performed with guitar and vocals.

Almost Persuaded was written by Glenn Sutton and Bobby Sherril and first recorded by David Houston in 1966. It went on to be the top country billboard song of all time, for the longest tenure on the chart, and was recorded by many in country and crossover music, including Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, George Jones with Merle Haggard, Patti Page, the Statler Brothers and Louis Armstrong and won the Grammy for the top country western song of 1966.

Ghost Walk--A contemporary folk song for Halloween, a narrative of the ghosts and goblins, but not for Halloween only. Images, words and haunting melody carry the story, with guitar, harmonica and vocals. Ghost Walk All souls dance around the fires With voices chanting to devil's lyres Locked in darkness, stars grow dim All Hallows Eve returns again The whispering of the ghosts drift by Through fog that fills the evening sky And black and grey, the mist crawls on As folks close windows, light has gone All Hallows Eve, they walk the lands, These spirits from unholy bands Hold dominion of the night's broad spaces Cloak themselves, then hide their facts So myth and tales have long been told How spirits roam and witches bold Brew fetid soup while goblins feed As ghosts creep by with the fog's dark need The night is gone, the morning comes, The sprits gone, with lighted dawn And wait their turn, another year When ghosts and goblins reappear The song is sung, the tale is done And all of us have had our fun From just these myths, our stories grow Ghost stories from now and long ago

The Raven ---A ballad based on the scariest poem in the English language, structured upon nine random verses of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, that have the essence of the story. This is done similar to other artists who have used poem excerpts for compositions, when the verses are too long for the song itself. The song is brought forth with a hidden sound of the souls and the Raven with the harmonica overdub at random intervals. Done with vocals and guitar in a minor key to carry out the mystery and darkness for the song's atmosphere and illustrated with images from the Commons that have been used in major texts where the poem is found. The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. "'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door - Only this, and nothing more." Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore - For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore - Nameless here for evermore. Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token, And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?" This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!" - Merely this, and nothing more. Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore; Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he; But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door - Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door - Perched, and sat, and nothing more. But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door; Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore - What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore Meant in croaking "Nevermore." "Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! - Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore, Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted - On this home by horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore - Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!" Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore." "Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil - prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore - Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore - Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore." Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore." "Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting - "Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!" Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore." And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming, And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted - nevermore!

The Haunting of Richard St Jean is an original song, and you may listen if you dare, good men; and women, relish the woman's part in a story of betrayal, she who brings her lover to be wed in a whole different way. The song is appropriate for Halloween or any time of year we gather around and tell ghost stories. This one is about a woman's ultimate revenge, in the folk ballad tradition of telling tales of the darkened byways of human feelings and beliefs. An original song composed October 10, 2012 by Carol Forsloff and performed with vocals, guitar and harmonica. The Haunting of Richard St. Jean The moon slipped through the misty night As he sang his mournful song He looked through the open window A ghost there on his lawn The wisp of light drew nearer And it shone across her face She said, "Young man, you'll join me here You brought me such disgrace I waited for you in the town Your promise kept me there The dress I bought for our wedding day You see, I still can wear For as a spirit in the night, I'll have you here with me In a hell of wandering endlessly For love there'll never be The stones upon my grave are cold My spirit walks the night I'll haunt you for the hurt you brought Your sleep disturbed with fright He sees the shadows stalking him For years they fill his mind He feels her in those shadows Moving closer now with time He opens up the window And he hears her awful cry Then falls upon the street below He knows he's going to die He hears her say, "No more will you deny You'll make me now a wife I died in shame by my own hand Your evil deeds, your life

The Circle Game--Buffy Saint Marie and Staffan Fenander Tribute---This song was written and recorded... read more by Joni Mitchell. Buffy is a Native American, born in Canada in 1941 and present resident of Hawaii. Like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, born the same year, she sings of human rights and social issues. The song Circle Game is of the folk music genre and written by Buffy in the 1960's at the height of the folk music revival around the world.

Toast of 45--Recorded initially by Sammi Smith, of "Help Me Make It Through the Night" fame, tells in song the life of a faded movie star, as the woman shares that with a man she picks up in a bar. It is illustrated with live pictures, performed with vocals and guitar. The song was written by Jim Casey and Vince Matthews.

Toast of 45--Recorded initially by Sammi Smith, of "Help Me Make It Through the Night" fame, tells in song the life of a faded movie star, as the woman shares that with a man she picks up in a bar. It is illustrated with live pictures, performed with vocals and guitar. The song was written by Jim Casey and Vince Matthews.

Mama's Prayer--A song narrative of unqualified love, and what it means in our relationships. The song is reminiscent of roots music, with the photos from the songwriter's personal collection of Cloutierville, Louisiana where simple values bring a sense of real community and love and many people who have learned the essentials of family and that unqualified love and where there are no strangers. Done with guitar, accordion, banjo.

Mama's Prayer--A song narrative of unqualified love, and what it means in our relationships. The song is reminiscent of roots music, with the photos from the songwriter's personal collection of Cloutierville, Louisiana where simple values bring a sense of real community and love and many people who have learned the essentials of family and that unqualified love and where there are no strangers. Done with guitar, accordion, banjo.

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda--among the top 30 of Australian songs ever written, is not the light-hearted and familiar folk song but instead a song about war composed by Eric Bogle in 1971 and performed variously by many groups around the war, including John Currie, Katie Noonan, The Irish Rovers, Joan Baez, Priscilla Herdman, Liam Clancy, the Dulbiners and others including Garrison Keillor in a Prairie Home Companion, Phil Coulter, the Pogues, The Weavers and John Kerry when he was elected to the United States Senate. A poignant tune, it is considered to be among the world's greatest songs of wars, protesting the honoring of battle celebrations instead of the peace that comes later.

Motherless Children.--- This traditional folk song was recorded by Blind Willie Johnson and also the Carter family in the early years of the 20th century, although it is said to have been written earlier. The author is unknown. Later it was recorded by Odetta and Eric Clapton as well as Roseanne Cash, upon the advice of her father, Johnny Cash, among the top ten songs he wanted her to learn.

Breathe Not the Sins of Others--An original song composed 2012 narrates the Eighth Commandment from the Old Testament and the teachings of all faiths, reiterated by Baha'i, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu teachings as well as the ethics of people who may not believe in God but believe in loving man and recognizing not every person is perfect. It reminds us we all fall short in our relationships towards others. Although it is a song of faith, it is also of the standard and folk traditions where a moral principle is infused in music. Lyrics Breathe Not the Sins of Others Breathe not the sins of others When all of us are sinners too Look at a heart and keep yours open As every man with eyes brand new For in the light that shines inside you For every man, a spark of God, For every man has tests and struggles In that search each path that's trod Look within and seek forgiveness Learn and grow, in times be still Seek your respite in the dawning And all answers in his will (Repeat first verse) (c) Carol Forsloff, 2012

Mary Hamilton---An old story of abortion and execution, of a young Scottish woman who had an affair with Peter the Great, became pregnant and aborted the child and was therefore executed. The song here is based on the fictional account, however many elements of the story may likely be true. Dedicated to the source of great classic ballads, the European roots music.

Sunday Morning Coming Down -- Freedom --Come and Go With Me Trilogy--Cover of Kris Kristofferson in tribute to the composer of Sunday Morning Coming Down and for his niece, Janelle, to whom I gave my guitar, shown in this video, and to her father, Tom Loudatt, both good friends. The song is followed by a traditional, Come and Go With Me. The classic country song is one of the more famous songs composed by Kristofferson, who is reported to now have Alzheimer's disease, a man of unique vocal and compositional talent.

It's So Nice to Have a Friend--an original song that speaks of the value of friendship, how it nurtures us and gives us a sense of comfort and joy, yet allows our independence at the same time. To all my friends everywhere, and to Sticky Sugar Hopkins who encouraged me to sing, after I had not for 20 years, on the occasion of his birthday.

Simple Gifts, in simplicityA simple Shaker song written by Elder Joseph Brackett, a Shaker minister, in 1848, describing it as a revealed song. Done by Lord of the Dance and others, it was originally a dance song without instruments for religious celebration and has been done by folk artists and other groups for many years, described as the perfect piece of music and expressing the desire of all people to be simple and free.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger--The song was a signature song of Burl Ives and is a traditional spiritual that narrates the story of one's journey through life. Done with guitar and harmonica.

St James Infirmary--a song banned at the turn of the 20th century because of its topic on the life and death of a prostitute and the lifestyle of the world of the underbelly of New Orleans at the time. Once performed by Leadbelly with his 12-string guitar, this is a folk song that has been performed by many people over the years and is now a classic.

Summertime--The most famous song from Porgy and Bess, a play that recently received awards decades after it was first performed. This unique version, done in folk blues style, is done with accordion and guitar accompaniment.

An Irish - English folk song with unique rhythm and chords to develop the love, yet mystery, in the song. It is one of the songs that represent the great traditions of music and part of its roots, known throughout much of the world. It has been performed by Joan Baez and a host of Irish singers.

Long Black Veil - A song of the folk music traditions, "Long Black Veil" is a 1959 country ballad, that is referenced as written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin. It was originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell and was one of Joan Baez songs on one of her early albums.

The Lords Prayer--The Lords Prayer comes from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, from a request by one of Jesus disciples to teach them to pray. Words are from the Books of both Matthew and Luke. It is a prayer recited by Christians everywhere for generations. On Easter Day 2007 it is said that two billion Christians recited, read or sang the short prayer in hundreds of language. It is done here in a simple style, with respect for people of all faiths and traditions, with the prayer itself a message of honor for the Creator. Recorded on July 20, 2012 as a comfort to all people.

A traditional folk song, Barbara Allen, by an unknown author, with the earliest references to it in 1666, of English or Scottish origin. Part of the repository of roots music, authentic and simple in its melody and chords but a favorite of many, done in many countries of the world for generations