“Marian Parker (I)”
Description
Pretty schoolgirl Marian Parker and her family are preparing for Christmas when the girl is kidnapped from school. "Young Hickman" is arrested and tried after the body is found
Notes
Laws lists a total of four Marian Parker ballads (the others are dF56, dF57, and dE49, "Edward Hickman"). This one, popularized by Vernon Dalhart, begins "Away out in California lived a family bright and gay. They were planning for their Christmas not very far away...."
The 1928 printing, credited to Bill Barrett (though I wonder if Carson Robison may not have been involved), titles the song "Little Marian Parker." - RBW
Historical references
- Dec 14, 1927 - Kidnapping and murder of twelve (eleven?)-year-old Marian Parker
- Dec 17, 1927 - Discovery by her father of the girl's mutilated body
- Oct 19, 1928 - Execution of William Edward Hickman for the murder
Cross references
- cf. "Marian Parker (II)" (subject)
- cf. "Marian Parker (III)" (subject)
- cf. "Edward Hickman (Marian Parker IV)" (subject)
Recordings
- Al Craver [pseud. for Vernon Dalhart] & Charlie Wells [pseud. for Carson Robison], "Little Marian Parker" (Columbia 15218-D. c. 1928)
References
- Laws F33, "Marian Parker"
- BrownII 254, "Marian Parker" (1 text)
- McNeil-SFB2, pp. 68-70, "Little Marian Parker" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Burt, pp. 65-66, "(Marion Parker)" (1 text, tune referenced)
- DT 731, MARPARK1
- Roud #781
- BI, LF33