Deep River of Song: Black Texicans

Judging by the average Western movie, it would be easy to believe that only whites could be Texas cowboys. However, the truth is that about one cowboy in four was black. In fact, many of the early black cowboys that were brought to the United States as slaves arrived with cattle herding experience from their native West Africa.

It is important to note that the black cowboys also contributed to the trail song tradition serving as both composers and singers. Deep River of Song: Black Texicans (Rounder Records) is a sampling of songs by the black Texicans collected by John Lomax. Here is the link to Lead Belly singing "Western Cowboy." Note the elements of "The Old Chisholm Trail" on the chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqyp7jvmQeY