South of the South

Sam Amidon performs my favorite traditional folk song-reworking of his, 1842. And on my birthday, at that.

There are other musicians who perpetuate traditional folk songs (ie Will Oldham: Ohio River Boat Song) that were once only passed around in front porch circles and down through generations by the grandsons listening from the stoop, but none dedicate their entire talent to this purpose and passion like Sam does. And none can sing or shred traditional folk quite like he does.