SeaSON 646 - What's In A Name - Charlie On The MTA

CHARLIE ON THE MTA - Bess Lomax Hawes & Jacqueline Steiner 1949
When I told Maggie the Season Topic, she suggested this song. I first heard it done by The Kingston Trio. It was written in 1949 by Bess Lomax Hawes & Jacqueline Steiner using the tune of The Ship That Never Returned, very similar to The Wreck Of Old 97.
I am presently reading a bio called Alan Lomax - The Man Who Recorded The World about Bess's brother.

[@DelGriffiths]

Good suggestion from Maggie! Another one from yesteryear I’ve never heard before - I’m glad I have now though - great job, Jim! :-)

[@PHJimY]

Thanks Del. I thought everyone had heard this old tune.

[@panhandlingray]

As a teenage my brothers and I would listen to our step dad's stereo, which was strictly off limits. My brothers would put on FM radio and listen to Wolfman Jack. Me, it was Kingston Trio and Mills Bros records. If we would had ever been catch we would be here today.

[@PHJimY]

This one I recall from about 1960.

[@kolibriuker1297]

Tune sounds somewhat familiar, but the story is new to me. Thank you for a great rendition!

[@PHJimY]

Yes the tune has been used for several songs. The folk process.