Boston needs expanded folk music radio

This appeal was originally posted to NEFolknRoots. In a geography where traditional and revival folk was and continues to be strong, the amount of it on area radio stations is appallingly underrepresented. There are options, primarily if one listens online, but Boston-area folk music broadcasting is very limited. Here's a solution.

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An open letter to WGBH.

I have read with interest news of your purchase of commercial classical-lite radio station WCRB. Bravo.

Now the next logical step would be for WGBH to buy a quasi-folk AAA station and expand your stellar Saturday Celtic/Folk/Blues programming to 24/7.

Please?

http://www.wgbh.org/support/keepclassicalalive_main.cfm

WGBH is taking classical music commercial-free 24/7, and you can play a part!

WGBH is acquiring New England's leading all-classical music station, WCRB 99.5FM, and will shift it to a non-commercial service, in keeping with our public media mission.

"From its very first broadcast, WGBH Radio has provided audiences with the best in classical music and performance. Today we are excited to reinvest in this tradition for a new generation of listeners," says WGBH President and CEO Jon Abbott. "The acquisition of WCRB will allow WGBH to sustain the vibrant classical music tradition of the Boston area."

Read special announcement from WGBH Radio >

What does this mean to WGBH's classical music listeners and supporters? You can count on the same thoughtful, engaging presentation of the best in classical music by our knowledgeable hosts. The additional hours will allow us to expand the scope of our service, maximizing WGBH's strong alliances with the area's premier performing organizations and artists and optimizing the use of our state-of-the-art Fraser Performance Studio, here in Brighton.

Keep Classical Music Alive

You can play a part in sustaining classical music in our region. Make your voice heard and become a Founding member of our new all-classical service.

Make an impact

WGBH's award-winning radio programs make a lasting impact on local residents. Now your company can help make that a reality – while making a positive impact on your bottom line. Public radio listeners appreciate the corporate sponsors that help make their favorite music possible. Learn more about WGBH public radio sponsorship opportunities. Become a WGBH radio sponsor.

Which side are you on?

A recent MySpace bulletin by a LA-based "Indie / Pop / Rock" (their appelation) band proudly advertises their CD for sale on walmart.com. With so many other sales channels, why would any self-respecting musician "sell out" to Wal-Mart?

For a limited time, our full length album, "(title withheld to protect the scabs)" is ON SALE for only $7 (or $0.94 a song!) at Walmart. com.

Wouldn't it be ironic if one of the songs were...

Which Side Are You On?
by Florence Reese

Come all of you good workers
Good news to you I'll tell
Of how that good old union
Has come in here to dwell

(Chorus)
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on?

My daddy was a miner
And I'm a miner's son
And I'll stick with the union
Till every battle's won

They say in Harlan County
There are no neutrals there
You'll either be a union man
Or a thug for J.H. Blair

Oh, workers can you stand it?
Oh, tell me how you can
Will you be a lousy scab
Or will you be a man?

Don't scab for the bosses
Don't listen to their lies
Us poor folks haven't got a chance
Unless we organize

...but I guess any artist who sells out to Wal-Mart would not be inclined to cover "Which Side Are You On?"

From Wikipedia

"Which Side Are You On?" was a song written by Florence Reece in 1931. She was the wife of a union organizer for the United Mine Workers in Harlan County, Kentucky. In 1931 the miners of that region were locked in a bitter and violent struggle with the mine owners. In an attempt to intimidate the Reece family, deputies hired by the mining company illegally entered and searched the Reece family home. Sam Reece had been warned in advance and escaped, but Florence and their children were terrorized in his place. That night, after the men had gone, Florence wrote the lyrics to "Which Side Are You On?" on a calendar that hung in the kitchen of her home. She took the melody from a traditional Baptist hymn, "Lay the Lily Low", or the traditional ballad "Jack Munro". Florence recorded the song and it can be heard on the CD Coal Mining Women.

Versions by other artists

The Almanac Singers - The Original Talking Union with the Almanac Singers & Other Union Songs with Pete Seeger and Chorus, in 1941, and on the remastered version in 1973.
Dick Gaughan - True and Bold, in 1985.
Billy Bragg - Back to Basics, in 1987, albeit with different lyrics altogether.
Deacon Blue - Riches & More, in 1997.
Ella Jenkins - Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together, in 1999.
Dropkick Murphys - Sing Loud, Sing Proud!, in 2001, and, subsequently Live on St. Patrick's Day from Boston, MA, in 2002.
Anne Feeney - Union Maid, in 2003.
Natalie Merchant - The House Carpenter's Daughter, in 2003.
Marnie Niemi - Karaoke Union Songs 2006

Edited 1/13: Read about "Springsteen's "Wal-Mart Exclusive" CD" here.