The modern folk revival shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, as more and more recent artists delve into the folk bag of the past to find inspiration for their own releases, more of the original artists who provided such inspiration are being newly discovered. This collection explores the most important artists of the first folk revival which began in the early 1940's in the United States and reached its peak in the early 1960's when artists such as Bob Dylan began to carry on the tradition and take it to new places. All aspects of the scene are covered, from the early recordings of pioneers Leadbelly, Josh White and Woody Guthrie to the pre - 1960's folk revivalists Tom Paley, Mike Seeger and Jean Ritchie. These are the roots of the modern folk movement, represented by the true pioneers that continue to pave the way for future generations.

Track Listing:

1. How Long - Leadbelly,
   
2. Chilly Winds - Odetta
   
3. Lonesome Dove - Jeanie West
   
4. Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad
   
5. Bird's Courtship - Ed McCurdy
   
6. Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot - Barbara Dane
   
7. Dark as a Dungeon - Glenn Yarbrough
   
8. Gambling Suitor - Paul Clayton, Jean Ritchie
   
9. Holston Valley Breakdown - Tex Logan,
   
10. Haul on the Bowline - A.L. Lloyd,
    
11. Rising of the Moon
    
12. Go Away from My Window
    
13. Death of Queen Jane - John Jacob Niles
    
14. Cornbread, Peas & Molasses
    
15. Red Wing
    
16. Mormon Engineer - Oscar Brand
    
17. Railroad Bill - Tom Paley
    
18. Water Is Wide
    
19. Amazing Grace