Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

John Henry

As part of the "Present at the Creation" series, Stephen Wade traces the roots of "John Henry." The song tells the story about a legendary black construction laborer of mythic strength, brawn and heroism. He's been the stuff of American legends, art, and scholarship for over a century. The song remains one of the most enduring in American folk music although the historic figure's background remains murky.

Copyright 2002 NPR