Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane

Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane explores the origins and evolution of a folk tune beloved by millions, tracing its trajectory from enslaved people on southern plantations to its adoption by Civil War soldiers and minstrel troupes, and its subsequent popularization through sheet music and new genres. The book features famous renditions by performers such as Harry Belafonte, Fats Domino, Bing Crosby, Nina Simone, and Pete Seeger, as well as lesser-known characters integral to its history, and explores its cross-cultural implications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane explores the origins and evolution of a beloved folk tune that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Author Dan Gutstein delves into the rich tapestry of the Liza Jane family of songs, shedding light on the most popular rendition, Lil Liza Jane. Tracing its roots back to the enslaved communities on southern plantations, these songs have endured through centuries, continuing to be performed and recorded even today. Evidence of their significance in the repertoire of enslaved people can be found in the Works Progress Administration ex-slave narratives, which provide detailed accounts of lyrics and performance rituals associated with Liza Jane. Over time, certain variants of the song, such as Goodbye Liza Jane, gained popularity among Civil War soldiers and minstrel troupes, flourishing in the racially charged atmosphere of burnt cork minstrelsy. Meanwhile, other familiar versions, like Little Liza Jane, likely remained fixed in folk tradition until the early twentieth century, when sheet music popularized the melody.

New genres and a constellation of outstanding performers embraced these folk songs, reaching far-flung audiences. In 1960, Harry Belafonte brought Little Liza Jane to the attention of a massive audience of over thirty million viewers when he performed the song on CBS. The song graced the airwaves of popular radio shows like Fibber McGee & Molly, featured in films like Coquette, and even found its way into a Mickey Mouse animation. A multitude of renowned artists, including Fats Domino, Bing Crosby, Nina Simone, Mississippi John Hurt, and Pete Seeger, embraced the Liza Jane family, each adding their unique interpretations to the legacy. Even David Bowie, in his early days, released Liza Jane as his debut single. Gutstein meticulously documents these famous renditions, as well as lesser-known characters who played pivotal roles in the song's history. Drawing upon a wealth of cultural insights from experts such as Eileen Southern, Carl Sandburg, Thomas Talley, LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka, Charles Wolfe, and Langston Hughes, Gutstein weaves a captivating narrative that sheds light on the cultural significance of Little Liza Jane. This captivating book is a testament to the enduring power of music and the enduring legacy of the human spirit.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496849342