James Bland–1878, Carry me Back, Marian Anderston

The first song we are going to feature by Marian Anderson is a 1941 recording of “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.” It was the A side of Victor recording released on a 78 rpm disc, 18314-A.

“Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” was written in 1878 by James Bland (1854-1911), an African-American who wrote over 700 songs. The original lyrics had some phrases that were considered to be racially insensitive; the third reworded version was Virginia’s state song from 1940 to 1997. It was recalled that “When Clifton A. Woodrum was in Congress, the House of Representatives couldn’t adjourn until the honorable Democrat from Roanoke, Virginia with a rich and varied baritone voice led the body in a rendition of ‘Carry Me Back to Old Virginny.’ ”

In terms of discography, Alma Gluck sang it in 1916, and it sold a million copies. Rosa Ponselle recorded it in 1926; Nelso Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald sang it in the film Maytime in 1937; and, in the same year,Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers released their version.

Please listen carefully; around the 3 minute mark, Marian sings double pianissimo a cappella. What a thrill to listen, even with the poor recording quality.