Jo Stafford was one of the few Swing-era popular singers who was able to
communicate the homespun beauty of the American folk idiom. Not
surprisingly, since she always brought a Midwestern serenity, even a
devotional quality, to just about everything she sang, even the most
soaring big-band numbers. In this, she is reminiscent of the great
Wagnerian soprano Kirstin Flagstad, who also brought a restrained,
serene delivery to highly emotional material. AMERICAN FOLK SONGS, from
1950, benefits from the highly musical, Copland-like arrangments by
Stafford's husband and long-time musical partner, Paul Weston. Judy
Collins once said that she decided to become a folk singer herself after
hearing "Barbara Allen" from this album for the first time. That would
be a high recommendation, if nothing else. by Richard Mortifoglio
Tracklist:
1 Shenandoah 3:38
Traditional
2 Black Is the Color 2:58
Traditional
