Listen To Harry Mcclintock Big Rock Candy Mountain
Harry McClintock was an American folk singer and songwriter, born in 1882 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is best known for his song "Big Rock Candy Mountain," which became a popular folk tune in the 1920s and 1930s.
The Origin of Big Rock Candy Mountain
The song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" tells the story of a hobo's paradise, where the rivers are made of lemonade, the lakes are filled with stew, and the cigarette trees bloom all year round. The original version of the song was written by Harry McClintock himself, and it was first recorded in 1928.
The song was inspired by the hobo culture of the early 20th century. Hobos were migrant workers who traveled from place to place, often by hopping on freight trains. They had their own subculture, with their own language, code of ethics, and even a system of symbols they used to communicate with each other.
Big Rock Candy Mountain in Popular Culture
Over the years, "Big Rock Candy Mountain" has become a staple of American folk music. It has been covered by many artists, including Burl Ives, Pete Seeger, and The Kingston Trio. The song has also appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials.
One of the most famous uses of the song is in the Coen Brothers' movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" The movie's soundtrack features a version of the song performed by Harry McClintock himself. The song also appears in the opening credits of the TV show "Justified."
The Legacy of Harry McClintock
Harry McClintock died in 1957, but his legacy lives on through his music. He recorded many other songs besides "Big Rock Candy Mountain," including "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum," "The Preacher and the Slave," and "Ain't We Crazy."
McClintock was a true folk artist, with a deep understanding of the traditions and history of American folk music. He was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a labor union that was also known as the "Wobblies." The IWW was a major force in the labor movement in the early 20th century, and its members often used music as a form of protest and solidarity.
Conclusion
If you haven't heard Harry McClintock's "Big Rock Candy Mountain" yet, you're missing out on one of the great American folk songs. It's a catchy tune with a fascinating history, and it's been entertaining people for almost a century. So sit back, relax, and listen to the hobo's paradise that is "Big Rock Candy Mountain."