prissy, 1842 (?)

[Arnold M. Zwicky]

On Oct 22, 2004, at 5:13 AM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:

> An unintended consequence of the introduction of radio and recorded
> sound was to cut the percentage of people ready to sing for others
> informally by about 99% (manufactured figure - for rhetorical purposes
> only).  That was the final nail in the coffin of ALL authentic
> traditional singing in this country - except for the bawdy drinking
> songs of frat boys and rugby teams.
>
> Why sing when   a) nobody wants to hear you  because  b) they can flip
> on the radio.

not to deny the general point, but as an enthusiastic participant in
shapenote singing (Sacred Harp, Denson Revision, for those of you who
know something about these things), i have to point out that SOME
authentic traditional singing survives very well.

arnold, about to host shapenote singing at his place this sunday
afternoon