David (Honeyboy) Edwards

Interview with Edwards about ring games he played as a child.

Marred by noise in the right channel at 2:17.

Edwards tells Lomax this is the first song he learned.

Discussion of the preceding “plantation song,” which Edwards learned as a boy in Shaw, Miss.; what the blues “are all about”; and the first time he had the blues.

Identified by Lomax as a “chain gang song.”

Followed by discussion of song’s origins and some of the lyrics, including Lomax asking Edwards why he changed the lyrics for the recording from “white folks” to “baby.” Also about his musician father and his repertoire.

A song (and in a style) learned from his father.

A song (and in a style) learned from his father.

A song (and in a style) learned from his father.

A song learned from a Ringling Bros. show: “a shine thing, a negro thing.”

Discusses his father joining the church and quitting music; a chord demonstration; and the blues as the Devil’s music.

Edwards sings this as “Hellatakin’,” and it’s cataloged as such on AFS card.

Talk on his travels as an itinerant musician, the dances he played, the musicians he played with (particularly in Memphis), various intoxicants, writing and recording blues. Discusses Bluebird Records and its talent scouts specifically, songwriting and songwriting/sales royalties vs. flat fees. Conversation continues about his preference for the North, and for integration. “Where you can be treated like a man,” Lomax said. More on country dances, dances, how much whiskey he’s drunk.

Followed by discussion of composing vs. improvising verses.

Preceded by several false starts and much blank disc.

Followed by discussion of the song, which he had written “about three weeks ago,” and the war.

The item identified as “Ragtime Selection” in the AFS catalog (6612B3) is presumably this one.

Title given is that on AFS card. Lomax and Edwards trade toasts from 10:30.

Identified by Lomax as the Delta Tourist Camp (suggested by Chris Smith to be the Delta Tourist Courts • 1600 N. State St. in Clarksdale)

Disc skips heavily for first six minutes.

Title given is that on AFS card. Largely an interview about catching trains, hobo musicians, and itinerancy. Lomax and Edwards discuss blues lyrics about rambling, being lonesome, and the “crossroads.” Ends with a Titanic toast.

Identified by Lomax as the Delta Tourist Camp (suggested by Chris Smith to be the Delta Tourist Courts • 1600 N. State St. in Clarksdale)

Discussion of a conjuror (“conjur man”) named Uncle Tom; recitation of a dirty toast learned from a man from St. Louis; and talk on blue-gummed people.

Followed by discussion of the song and adolescent sexuality.

Identified by Lomax as the Delta Tourist Camp (suggested by Chris Smith to be the Delta Tourist Courts • 1600 N. State St. in Clarksdale)

Identified as “test” on AFS card. Aural evidence suggests this could be Edwards’ performance that appears in Lomax’s Clarksdale film footage.

Marred by intense speed fluctuations.

Identified by Lomax as the Delta Tourist Camp (suggested by Chris Smith to be the Delta Tourist Courts • 1600 N. State St. in Clarksdale)

Preceded by Lomax announcement of “a man who’s been all over the country, he’s a very experienced musician, same age as I am — 27 years old….”