Black Jack Davy- Ramsey (NC) 1961 REC
[Western Noth Carolina singer and banjoist Obray Ramsey (1913- 1997) learned ballads and songs from his grandparents. In 1953 with the encouragement of Bascom Lamar Lunsford (See: Black Jack Davy- Lunsford), Obray sang at the Asheville Folk Festival. Lunsford gave Ramsey a banjo and he recorded several LPs in the 1950s-60s.
Ramsey's lyrics aren't remarkable but his melody and authenticity are unmatched. Did Ramsey know Lunsford's version? Probably. He also knew other regional versions and his version may be from other sources.
R. Matteson 2012]
Listen: Obray Ramsey; 1935 Black Jack David. Here's more from and LP liner notes:
"Obray Ramsey is an excellent example of these processes (referring to the history of the "handing down" of this type of music). Ramsey was born on the banks of the Three Laurels to a western North Carolina family rich in Appalachian tradition. From his mother and grandmother he inherited his basic store of Anglo-Irish-American song. His repertoire includes not only the old ballads and lyrics, native and imported, but later forms and songs distributed by Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, and other early hillbilly entertainers. He learned the guitar as a young man, but usually performed without accompaniment. The folksinger-collector-impresario Bascom Lamar Lunsford "discovered" Ramsey, encouraged him to become an excellent banjo picker, and featured his performances on the Asheville Folk Festival. Ramsey`s performances show varied influences, and he has extended his repertoire by festival contacts. He seems to have completely absorbed all he has learned of old and new styles, and his performances are excellent examples of a good portion of Appalachian song today. His singing often echoes the oldest of mountain styles; he plays "clawhammer" banjo without the flamboyance of the "bluegrass" performer; he is the composer of a number of gospel songs. Performers like Ramsey are of great importance in presenting folksong tradition to the "outsider" and preserving it for their own people."
BLACK JACK DAVY- Obray Ramsey
Listen: Obray Ramsey; 1961 Black Jack Davy
(banjo and vocal)
Black Jack Davy came a-ridin' through the woods
He sang so loud and merrily.
Hid voice rang through the green green trees,
And he charmed the heart of a lady,
And he charmed the heart of a lady.
Come go with me my pretty little miss,
Come go with me my honey.
I'll take you to where the grass grows green,
You'll never want for money,
You'll never want for money.
She put on her pretty white shoes
All made of Spanish leather.
Hhe put his old cord boots,
And they both rode off together
And they both rode off together.