Back in the early ‘70s I had the opportunity to meet and play with Roscoe, during a college tour that featured Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Mike Seeger, Elizabeth Cotton, Jean Ritchie, the Morris Brothers and others. Roscoe had the most powerful voice I gave ever heard and when on stage the mic was placed. anywhere from 4-6 feet in front of him. in jams he could be heard above all others. I wish these jam session had been recorded; truly an amazing experience. Roscoe told me that he developed his lung power back home in the hills hollering from one hill top to another. It was a form of communication. He was a retired Kentucky coal miner and didn’t pickup music until he retired. To be close to him singing and was a true honor to know him. He gave me goosebumps.
Roscoe Holcomb was the pioneer of American Folk music. A very genuine and talented musician. A very humble man who had a hard life : farmer, miner, etc. An incredible voice he had, very strange yet powerful. He is a story in himself. Marie from France
It sounds like a glitch in the payback; the speed seems to drop slightly, lowering the pitch...and giving a really spooky effect. It wouldn't be the same without that shift.
I'm a central european person (however some of my ancestors had emigrated to US in the past, but it doesn't matter) and I just love to listen to this music. I really like Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs, Pete Seeger and others. They just... touch my soul. Could anyone explain to me this phenomenon?
Out on old smokey all covered with snow I lost my own true lover by courting too slow Yes courting it is a pleasure and parting is a grief Some false-hearted true lover is worse than a thief I'll build me a log cabin on top of some rise Where the wild geese and pretty women can hear my sad cry
This is poetry in motion , Roscoe had the great talent of taking songs to a completely another level , this is by far my favorite incarnation of old smokey , its all the pain of love ,and loss interpreted threw this very gifted soul.
I believe he said it was "Old Smoky", not "On Top of Old Smoky". An abbreviation of the longer title, or is it deliberate acknowledgement of the differences? The lyrics are close, but it sounds like an older version of the song we're familiar with. It would be interesting to track it back and see where the two versions diverged.
I'm fairly certain there's a recording of "Single Girl" by Roscoe recorded on the same day of this recording. Is there any way I could view this recording without paying for the full Ballards, Blues and Bluegrass DVD?
@@matthewgovig I did. My ability to enjoy this song was marred by the fact that the "On top of Spaghetti" version kept popping into my mind, Damned sixth grade!
haha yes very much so. why have you chosen the number 666? i think you should reconsider your choice. certainly, to me, this man's inspiration reflects as much.
Back in the early ‘70s I had the opportunity to meet and play with Roscoe, during a college tour that featured Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Mike Seeger, Elizabeth Cotton, Jean Ritchie, the Morris Brothers and others. Roscoe had the most powerful voice I gave ever heard and when on stage the mic was placed. anywhere from 4-6 feet in front of him. in jams he could be heard above all others. I wish these jam session had been recorded; truly an amazing experience. Roscoe told me that he developed his lung power back home in the hills hollering from one hill top to another. It was a form of communication. He was a retired Kentucky coal miner and didn’t pickup music until he retired. To be close to him singing and was a true honor to know him. He gave me goosebumps.
This is a glimpse into an ANCIENT tradition.
He's my kin and I'm so proud.
My grandpa knew him back I harlan..
Roscoe Holcomb was the pioneer of American Folk music. A very genuine and talented musician. A very humble man who had a hard life : farmer, miner, etc. An incredible voice he had, very strange yet powerful. He is a story in himself. Marie from France
My grandfather was the same generation as Roscoe and I am folk musican because of him and Roscoe.
Suffering is in those eyes.
It sounds like a glitch in the payback; the speed seems to drop slightly, lowering the pitch...and giving a really spooky effect.
It wouldn't be the same without that shift.
No. It would be different.
My God! We used to sing 'On top of old Smokey" in elementary school, but it sure didn't sound like that.
Lot of history in those eyes.
I'm a central european person (however some of my ancestors had emigrated to US in the past, but it doesn't matter) and I just love to listen to this music. I really like Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs, Pete Seeger and others. They just... touch my soul. Could anyone explain to me this phenomenon?
I think that the mountains and hollows invade the souls of such singers...
The most powerful white blues singer I've ever heard.
Out on old smokey all covered with snow
I lost my own true lover by courting too slow
Yes courting it is a pleasure and parting is a grief
Some false-hearted true lover is worse than a thief
I'll build me a log cabin on top of some rise
Where the wild geese and pretty women can hear my sad cry
Codie Hammill: thanks for the lyrics
Roscoe pulls my heart strings man
Thanks
This is poetry in motion , Roscoe had the great talent of taking songs to a completely another level , this is by far my favorite incarnation of old smokey , its all the pain of love ,and loss interpreted threw this very gifted soul.
Man I love the way he played and had a voice of the ages past.🪕🪕🪕
so nice to see roscoe smile and laugh
Beautiful . Unbelievable. Loved it.
Food for the soul...
Its like a supernatural experience when the canera angle changes to facing him directly
Bless him. .. oh wait... he was already Blessed. 🙏🌹
PURE!!! MASTER!!!
brilliant!
I believe he said it was "Old Smoky", not "On Top of Old Smoky". An abbreviation of the longer title, or is it deliberate acknowledgement of the differences?
The lyrics are close, but it sounds like an older version of the song we're familiar with.
It would be interesting to track it back and see where the two versions diverged.
1:20 it takes on an other worldly quality
This man has been to the dance
AMEN
Respekt!!!
Noti Pasch
I'm fairly certain there's a recording of "Single Girl" by Roscoe recorded on the same day of this recording. Is there any way I could view this recording without paying for the full Ballards, Blues and Bluegrass DVD?
Get an iPhone, screen record this vidier
James Woods during filming of "My name is Bill" biopic of Bill Wilson founder of AA.
Not QUITE how I learned it in grade school....
No me neither. No spaghetti no cheese no meatball no sneeze.
I'm stealing his fashion style
1:20 is a bit haunting.
Where can I find all of these old shows on disc? I love having actual, remastered footage.
Sadly, Roscoe never saw his poor meatball again after it rolled straight out the door.
@@matthewgovig I did. My ability to enjoy this song was marred by the fact that the "On top of Spaghetti" version kept popping into my mind, Damned sixth grade!
That's where he gets the inspiration for his high and lonesome sound.
Robert Vaughn?
Is he playing a 6 string banjo?
no
Fucking Furious
So does anyone else think that that fellow listening with the big mustaches Richard brautigan?
i would prefer you not to tell me what i should and should not do.
haha yes very much so. why have you chosen the number 666? i think you should reconsider your choice. certainly, to me, this man's inspiration reflects as much.