“The Letter Edged in Black”

Description

The singer cheerfully greets the postman, only to be handed a letter edged in black. The letter is from his father, informing him that his mother is dead.

Recordings

• Cotton Butterfield, "Letter Edged in Black" (OKeh, unissued, 1929)
• Fiddlin' John Carson, "The Letter Edged In Black" (OKeh 7008, 1924)
• Pete Cassell, "The Letter Edged in Black" (Majestic 6007, c. 1947)
• Vernon Dalhart, "The Letter Edged in Black" (Lincoln 2426, 1925) (Edison 51649, 1925) (Victor 19837, 1925) (Cameo 809, 1925) (Banner 1653, 1926; Challenge 560, 1927; Conqueror 7074, 1928) (Bell 396, 1926) (Challenge 160/Challenge 319, 1927) (Champion 15906, 1930; Champion 45096, 1935; rec. 1928) (Brunswick 2900, 1925; Supertone S-2000, 1930) (Columbia 15049-D [as by Al Craver], c. 1926) (Brunswick 6799, 1934) (CYL: Edison [BA] 5085 or 5086, 1925) (Durium 9-2, n.d.)
• Bradley Kincaid, "Letter Edged In Black" (Bluebird B-5895, 1935; rec. 1934)
• Frank Luther, "Letter Edged in Black" (Decca 435, 1935)
• George Reneau, "Lettter Edged in Black" (Vocalion 14998, 1925/ Vocalion 5058, c. 1926)
• Marc Williams, "Letter Edged in Black" (Decca 5327, 1937; rec. 1934)

References

1. Randolph 703, "The Letter Edged in Black" (2 texts, 1 tune)
2. Randolph/Cohen, pp. 475-476, "The Letter Edged in Black" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's 703A)
3. McNeil-SFB2, pp. 169-171, "The Letter Edged in Black" (1 text, 1 tune)
4. Spaeth-WeepMore, pp. 38-39, "The Letter Edged in Black" (1 text, 1 tune)
5. Silber-FSWB, p. 267, "The Letter Edged In Black" (1 text)
6. DT, LETTRBLK
7. Roud #3116
8. BI, R703