My new boss had a torrid time of it last week, as one after another of his full time staff members called in sick. As a consequence, he had to work several consecutive 12+ hour shifts to cover all the no-shows. His facial expressions as he worked were all painfully familiar to me - anger, frustration, exhaustion and despair - I'd been there and done that during my own time in management. As it happens, I had an absolute stinker of a cold last week myself (which only eventually lifted yesterday), but managed to drag myself into work, medicated to the hilt and sweating profusely, for all five of my allotted part-time shifts. I couldn't bear the thought of letting the poor guy down.
Here's the remarkable Clarence Ashley, born 122 years ago this week, with 'Walking Boss', a song he learned directly from African American railroad workers in the early years of the 20th century and finally recorded in 1962. Ashley is a captivating and hugely important figure in American music, who I fully intend to return to on these pages before too long.
Clarence Ashley - Walking Boss
7 comments:
Timeless!
Clarence Ashley, Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs et al - I could listen to them all day Ramone666.
Hope you scored some points with your new boss coming in like that. Fabulous tune, my man.
Like that. Lovely bit of banjo (or one of its cousins). As someone who regularly drags himself into work while under the weather, you get my respect, Swede. Although the main reason I have is that the other half works from home and hates me being under the feet.
Very apt song for your situation - great banjo playing. Glad you're feeling better but dedication to the cause indeed. I have been known to drag myself into work with a heavy cold only to eventually throw in the towel and then return to find no-one there, as I've passed it on to everyone else!
A true trooper! I'm sure your stoicism was hugely appreciated and very glad to know you're better now.
Like the banjo in here too.
This is very new to me and I really like it. These timeless tunes should be featured more. Seems I have to investigate more of them during the next days. Thank you Swede.
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