Unidentified Negro Convict
Stagolee
John A. Lomax visited Tennessee State Penitentiary as part of his efforts to document and preserve traditional American folk music. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Lomax, often accompanied by his son Alan, traveled to prisons and penitentiaries across the southern United States. He believed these institutions housed individuals who maintained a rich oral tradition of folk songs, ballads, work chants, and blues that might otherwise be lost.
Inmates, many of whom were African American, carried with them the musical traditions of their communities, making these prisons crucial sources for Lomax’s project. These songs often reflected the harsh realities of life, capturing stories of hardship, resilience, and longing, giving a voice to those who were often unheard.
The recordings made at Tennessee State Penitentiary, like those at other institutions, were collected with a sense of urgency. Lomax wanted to capture this music before the influence of mainstream culture could diminish its authenticity. Penitentiaries were places where these traditional songs, especially work songs sung during manual labor, continued to be practiced as part of daily life.
Lomax's work in the Tennessee State Penitentiary was part of a larger mission to preserve an important aspect of American musical heritage. These recordings not only captured the music but also provided a glimpse into the experiences of those living under the oppressive conditions of the time. His efforts ensured that a wide variety of American folk songs, including those from marginalized communities, would be preserved and recognized for their cultural value.