In this volume, richly varied musical worlds are
presented through the voices of the artists themselves. Their narratives are edited from field recordings I
made in each artist’s home and community. The artistically
and emotionally rich profiles of musicians that emerge
illuminate both the African American experience and the
history and culture of America itself.” — William Ferris
Give My Poor Heart Ease:
Mississippi Delta Bluesmen, 1975
Parchman Penitentiary, 1968
All images from the William R. Ferris Collection, Southern Folklife Collection, Wilson Library,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, unless otherwise noted.
Click below to hear sample audio tracks
Click images below to view sample videos
