“The Death of Mother Jones”
Description
"The world is mourning today The death of Mother Jones; Grief and sorrow hover Around the miners' homes." The miners lament the death of the organizer who "was ready to help them; she never turned them down."
Notes
Greenway notes that his text differs from that in Korson's "Coal Dust on the Fiddle," implying oral transmission. I'm not sure this really follows -- but there is enough doubt that I have indexed the song. - RBW
While copyright was registered in the name of American Record Company talent scout William R. Callaway, it's virtually certain that he did not compose it, but rather purchased the rights from an unknown composer. His widow told Archie Green that her husband never had composed anything, but would often purchase material from musicians he worked with or people he met on the road. - PJS
Historical references
- c. 1837-1930 - life of Mary Harris "Mother" Jones
Recordings
- Gene Autry, "The Death of Mother Jones" (Banner 32133/Jewel 20033/Oriole 8033/Perfect 12696/Regal 10311/Romeo 5033/Conqueror 7702, 1931)
References
- Greenway-AFP, pp. 154-155, "Mother Jones" (1 text)
- Green-Miner, pp. 241-243, "Mother Jones" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, DETHJONE*
- Roud #15157
- BI, Grnw154