Which Side are You On?: An Inside History of the Folk Music Revival in America - Softcover

"'The inside scoop! Dick Weissman is a folk music insider with plenty to say about commercialization, self-serving scholars, and authentic musicians. His observations ring true and have the potential to shake things up. Weissman covers territory from Leadbelly to Dylan and beyond. This book is an eye-opener.' Artie Traum 'Folk enthusiasts will appreciate this nearly one-stop shop of American folk history' Publishers Weekly 'From pop artists to the re-emergence of female blues singers, Which Side Are You On? An Inside History Of The Folk Music Revival In America is not to be missed by any serious about American popular music history.' The Bookwatch 'Which Side Are You On? Spans America's interest in folk music, from the days of the early folk song collectors through Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, Dave Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell to such contemporary artists as Ani DiFranco, Nickel Creek, and Ry Cooder. Author Weissman knows whereof he speaks on folk music, having lived the life.' MMR, February 2006"

In 1932, Florence Reece, the wife of a Kentucky coal miner, wrote one of the classic topical songs preserved in the folk musical revival. The song, "Which Side Are You On?," contrasts the lot of the working class and the bosses, and asks the listener to choose. This politically charged song was performed again during the Civil Rights Movement, with its lyrics appropriate to the 1960s. It was recorded more recently by Billy Bragg. Indeed, the story of this song might serve as a microcosm of the entire history of the folk music revival. Dick Weissman, former member of the Journeymen and a musician still releasing CDs of his original compositions, brings his personal and professional involvement to this definitive history. "Which Side Are You On?" includes chapters and sections on the Lomaxes, Harry Smith, the little known Lawrence Gellert, Woody Guthrie, Josh White, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger, groups such as the Weavers and the Kingston Trio, Dave Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Natalie Merchant, Ani Difranco, Bela Fleck, Nickel Creek, the Indigo Girls, and many others. "Which Side Are You On?" also explores the folk music business in depth: how it all works, where the power really lies, how the artists have been manipulated and often exploited, the dynamic between artist and audience.