The work song has existed since the dawn of recorded history. Field hands, boatmen, railroad gangs, and even cowboys used the work song to lift spirits and maintain the pace of labor. During the American era of slavery, the work song evolved into something far greater. It became a powerful means of communication, resistance, and catharsis. Through call-and-response, field workers carried on a dialogue under the noses of their foremen. News was passed. Common complaints were shared. Uprisings were planned.

Improvisation was a common element in these dialogues, as were the field hollers and moans. As slaves converted to Christianity, their songs included appeals for divine deliverance. Over time, the work song included odes to the act of work itself – be it hard physical labor, the tribulations of a love affair, or the tortures of a tyrannical boss. This is the fertile ground where blues, gospel, and jazz took root.

Trumpeter Nat Adderley understood the depth of his musical roots, and in 1960 wrote his own “Work Song.” All the traditional tropes are there – the call-and-response, the bemoaning of labor, the improvisation. Oscar Brown, Jr. added poignant lyrics, making this “Work Song” a testament to the struggles of the past and the labor still to be done.

This episode of “Soundtrack to the Struggle” was written and produced by Ron Adkins. Executive Producers Dennis Green and George Dorman. Hosted by Hollis Monroe.

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Sometimes the truth is difficult to hear … or dangerous to tell. Sometimes, you have to serve it up with a helping of irony. And sometimes, you really DO have to use a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Such is the case with Count Basie’s classic 1940 record, “It’s The Same Old South.”

Debuted in the satirical labor revue “Meet the People,” Jay Gorney penned the music to this infectious, swingin’ tune that packed dance floors across the country. While at the same time, Ed Eliscu’s subversive lyrics told a story quite different from the history books. Life as a Black person in American society wasn’t as cheery as it appeared on the surface.

“It’s The Same Old South” brilliantly depicts our society as a study in contrast. Like the song, the story of the American way can sound sweet and melodic. But listen a little closer, and the lyrics of child labor, tar & feathering, and bloodhounds chasing union organizers declare that the beautiful landscape of the United States wasn’t so lovely after all.

This episode of “Soundtrack to the Struggle” was written and produced by Ron Adkins and hosted by Hollis Monroe.