This is a fun exploration of the roots of a song. I feel that in this age of disposable entertainment, it's really nice to hear something that reflects upon the stories that built up modern culture. Casey Jones is one of those.
The piece is carried along nicely by music and storytelling. I've got to say that anything that features Mississippi John Hurt is always worth listening to, and this has Hurt. The story didn't always hold my attention, but as a light piece, it's nicely made and it brings some truth to the mythology.
One note for producers: the end says "For NPR News..." so that should be struck before broadcast.
I enjoyed this piece so much more than I expected to. I grew up hearing songs about Casey Jones in the classroom, on cartoons, and on the radio. But to hear this well thought out story about Casey's life and legend was just incredible. I appreciate the wealth of information presented in this piece, and I was especially moved by one of Hal's last remarks. I certainly cannot imagine Michael Jordan or Oprah living forever in a folk song...
This is a superbly produced feature about the history of the legendary African-American train engineer John Luther Jones, also known as Casey Jones. It is a delightful mélange of historic recordings, interviews, music, sound effects and narration that is beautifully mixed. This piece documents the spectacular train accident in which Casey’s passenger train collides with a freight train, and the resultant legend that was created and preserved in song. The old recordings are cleaned up beautifully, and the mix is as good as it gets. The feature will resonate with train buffs, history aficionados and lovers of folk music, as well as anyone who enjoys an excellent example of radio at its finest.
Comments for Casey Jones
Produced by Hal Cannon and Taki Telonidis of the Western Folklife Center
Other pieces by Western Folklife Center Media
Rating Summary
3 comments
Ben Trefny
Posted on October 04, 2005 at 10:42 PM | Permalink
Review of Casey Jones
This is a fun exploration of the roots of a song. I feel that in this age of disposable entertainment, it's really nice to hear something that reflects upon the stories that built up modern culture. Casey Jones is one of those.
The piece is carried along nicely by music and storytelling. I've got to say that anything that features Mississippi John Hurt is always worth listening to, and this has Hurt. The story didn't always hold my attention, but as a light piece, it's nicely made and it brings some truth to the mythology.
One note for producers: the end says "For NPR News..." so that should be struck before broadcast.
Anna Brozek
Posted on August 24, 2005 at 09:02 AM | Permalink
Review of Casey Jones
I enjoyed this piece so much more than I expected to. I grew up hearing songs about Casey Jones in the classroom, on cartoons, and on the radio. But to hear this well thought out story about Casey's life and legend was just incredible. I appreciate the wealth of information presented in this piece, and I was especially moved by one of Hal's last remarks. I certainly cannot imagine Michael Jordan or Oprah living forever in a folk song...
Phil Corriveau
Posted on August 13, 2005 at 02:12 PM | Permalink
Review of Casey Jones
This is a superbly produced feature about the history of the legendary African-American train engineer John Luther Jones, also known as Casey Jones. It is a delightful mélange of historic recordings, interviews, music, sound effects and narration that is beautifully mixed. This piece documents the spectacular train accident in which Casey’s passenger train collides with a freight train, and the resultant legend that was created and preserved in song. The old recordings are cleaned up beautifully, and the mix is as good as it gets. The feature will resonate with train buffs, history aficionados and lovers of folk music, as well as anyone who enjoys an excellent example of radio at its finest.