The Wreck of the Old 97

Send me a text message. Suggestions? Subjects for future podcasts? Let me know--thanks!This podcast is about the song: "Wreck of the Old 97". On September 27, 1903, there was a terrible train wreck. The story was turned into a famous train song, and the recording by Vernon Dalhart was the first to sell one million copies in the US.Here's a link to a YouTube video which tells the story and shows old photos of the wreck:The Wreck of the Old 97 was recorded by many country artists. The story of the train wreck is told in the video linked above, and there is a performance by the story-teller at the end of the video.Here are some other performances. Note: these are all examples of "country music"--you might not like it!Boxcare WillieFlatt & ScruggsJohnny Cash  And here are the lyrics to use for pronunciation practice. Note that different artists change the lyrics so the ones below are just one of the versions.The Wreck Of The Old 97Well, they gave him his orders at Monroe, VirginiaSaying Steve you are way behind timeThis is not thirty eight, but it's old ninety sevenYou must put her into Danville on timeHe turned and said to his black greasy firemanJust shovel on a little more coalAnd when we cross the White Oak MountainYou can watch old ninety seven rollIt's a mighty rough road from lynchburg to DanvilleAnd a line on a three mile gradeIt was on this grade that he lost his air brakesYou can see what a jump he madeHe was going down the grade makin' ninety miles an hourWhen his whistle broke into a screamThey found him in the wreck with his hand on the throttleHe was scalded to death by the steamNow ladies, you must take warningFrom this time now and onNever speak harsh words to your true loving husbandHe may leave you and never returnAnd here is Vernon Dahlhart's million-selling recording from 1924.Intro & Outro Music: La Pompe Du Trompe by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Support the showEmail me:  [email protected] can now support my podcasts and classes:Keep the podcasts coming! Thank you!