Various Artists - Virginia Traditions:

Native Virginia Ballads and Songs

(Blue Ridge Institute BRI-004) 1981

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This compilation includes a live version of The Flood (listed as The Story Of The Flood) by the Stanley Brothers from 1957. Recorded by Mike Seeger, the liner notes give the date and source as 8th August - Silver Creek Ranch near Manassas, Va. It seems that this is incorrect, however, as an identical (but poorer quality) recording is on a live tape from the Melody Ranch 9th April 1957. Also, the 8th Aug 1957 was a Thursday, which is unusual as park show dates were usually held at weekends.

Another track from the Melody Ranch 9th April 1957 show, a version of Shake Rattle & Roll with Curly Lambert on lead vocal can be found on youtube.

From the liner notes: "The flood which inspired Carter Stanley's song swept through the southern Appalachians in February, 1957, killing 12 people and leaving thousands homeless. President Eisenhower designated 28 counties in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia as disaster areas. Eight counties in southwest Virginia, including the Stanley's own Dickenson County, were among the hardest hit. Governor Stabley reported 2,000 people left homeless and over a million dollars in road damage alone. The National Guard had to be mobilized to assist in the clean up. This live performance of 'The Flood' was recorded only a few months later."

The LP and individual songs are available as an MP3/FLAC download from Smithsonian Folkways where you can also download (free) a pdf copy of the artwork and extensive liner notes booklet.

• Carter Stanley: guitar, vocal
• Ralph Stanley: banjo, vocal
• Chubby Anthony: fiddle
• Curley Lambert: mandolin
• Lindy Clear: bass

Other artwork / related images: