The Amazing Grace

VINYL FORMAT. Recorded in an Atlanta hotel room in 1940 by John Lomax during one of his last trips to the South on behalf of the Library of Congress. Story goes that Willie McTell (age 42) was spotted by Lomax playing for tips in the parking lot of the Pig 'n Whistle BBQ: Lomax pulled into the parking lot and offered McTell one dollar plus cab fare to meet him at his hotel room for an impromptu recording session the next morning. Despite compensation, McTell agreed and the historic session took place. That morning in November McTell recorded fourteen tracks, including five folk ballads that he had never recorded before. He also shared the story of his life and his considerable knowledge of American music, while speaking out on racism as well. These historic monologues are also included here.