What is Number 9 coal? It is mentioned in the song 16 Tons:

I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
Picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I hauled Sixteen Tons of number 9 coal
And the store boss said, "Well, bless my soul"

posted by RussHy on Apr 10, 2009 - 10 answers

Searching for good versions of Stephen Foster songs. [more inside]
posted by 1f2frfbf on Nov 5, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm a solo, acoustic, folk/alt-country musician. What are some specific venues I should try to perform at in or around NYC? [more inside]
posted by bingwah on Oct 1, 2008 - 10 answers

Where can I find old recordings of British folk music? [more inside]
posted by interrobang on Sep 20, 2008 - 14 answers

I'm headed out to travel rural developing areas on a folk music field recording expedition. Can I get some advice on what equipment to use? [more inside]
posted by iamck on Jun 18, 2008 - 11 answers

I'm looking for as many different recordings or versions of John Henry as possible (ie Johnny Cash at Folsom). I'd like to get dozens of copies of this song sung in different ways or by different people. The more obscure the better, but don't assume that I know about a common recording.
posted by Pants! on Nov 21, 2007 - 16 answers

What is your country's equivalent of The Anthology of American Folk Music? [more inside]
posted by 1f2frfbf on Oct 26, 2007 - 12 answers

I need some good recommendations for folk songs that I can teach my 5th and 6th grade music classes. Maybe american, african american or celtic [more inside]
posted by doppler68 on Oct 10, 2007 - 21 answers

My mother's husband is a big folk music fan, and his birthday is coming up. I'd like to get them 2 tickets to a good folk music show that takes place somewhere in the NYC area before the end of 2005. [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu on Oct 19, 2005 - 13 answers

Recommend some good folk music, old or new, please.
posted by Item on Jan 11, 2004 - 40 answers

What is the type of traditional jewish music that uses clarinet-like instruments (and sometimes, violins, i think) called? An example of this music is heard in the "Snatch" soundtrack at the beginning of the movie, and this type of music is also often played in TV shows that focus on NY's Jewish quarter (Queens?) for their storylines.
posted by elphTeq on Jan 7, 2004 - 11 answers