America Over the Water

Shirley Collins recounts her remarkable journey with Alan Lomax through the southern states in America Over the Water, exploring music and culture.

In America Over the Water, celebrated English folksinger Shirley Collins shares a poignant memoir detailing her transformative year alongside the renowned folklorist Alan Lomax. Their journey through the southern states of America—Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia—serves as a backdrop for an exploration of traditional music and the cultural landscape of the time. Collins and Lomax sought to uncover the rich tapestry of sounds that defined America's heartland, meeting legendary musicians like Mississippi Fred McDowell along the way.

This narrative is not just a travelogue; it intertwines Collins' personal reflections with the broader historical context of the civil rights movement. As they ventured through the South, the duo documented the blues and folk music that resonated with the struggles and triumphs of the communities they encountered. The book captures the essence of a nation on the brink of change, highlighting the power of music as a means of expression and connection.

Originally published over fifteen years ago, this definitive edition of America Over the Water includes a new introduction by Collins herself, offering fresh insights into her experiences and the lasting impact of her journey. Through her eloquent storytelling, readers are invited to experience the profound relationship between music and history, as well as the indelible mark left by Collins and Lomax on American folklore.