I love Micky and Peters “I Was Born In East Virginia” on the Headquarters Sessions, what can you tell me about the song?
While this song has been recorded under several titles, the correct title is “East Virginia Blues.” Peter & Micky sing a variation on the traditional folk version of this old bluegrass standard which is very different from the much older traditional bluegrass lyrics and their most common variations. This folk version is lacking any hint of some of the traditional verses, has lillies and not linen on the fair maiden’s breast and borrows a line or two from another bluegrass standard, “Dark Hollar Blues.” (aka “Dark Hollow Blues”) Noting these differences from the traditional bluegrass, it is possible that the folk standard evolved from The Carter Family’s 1934 recording of the song. The Carter Family not only recorded the song with a lyric differing greatly from the more well known variations of traditional verses, they later recorded “East Virginia Blues #2"’ (1935) which continues the story of the song in new verses. Afficianados of this song may wish to seek out versions recorded
