“The Black Sheep”

Description

A father has three sons, one honest, two vile. The bad sons convince the father to evict the youngest. Then -- urged on perhaps by their wives -- they evict their father from the house. The third son, the "Black Sheep," comes forth and rescues the father

Notes

Yes, this song DOES sound like "King Lear." Given that it is patently a stage song, I can't help but think that the author was influenced by that play. - RBW

Recordings

• [Tom] Darby & [Jimmie] Tarlton, "The Black Sheep" (Columbia 15674, 1931; rec. 1930)
• [Blind James] Howard & [Charles] Peak, "Three Black Sheep" (Victor V-40189, 1930; rec. 1928; on KMM)

References

1. Fuson, pp. 79-80, "The Black Sheep" (1 text)
2. MHenry-Appalachians, pp. 130-131, "The Black Sheep" (1 text)
3. FSCatskills 105, "The Black Sheep" (2 texts, 2 tunes)
4. Spaeth-WeepMore, pp. 173-174, "The Black Sheep" (1 text)
5. DT, BLCKSHEP*
6. Roud #4282
7. BI, FSC105