" . . . an impressive collection . . . this book marks a milestone in the study of labor an occupational songs." —Journal of American Folklore "This is an important contribution to Ameican history, saluting those who built the country with their labor." —Come-All-Ye "The remembrances are sensitive and perceptive, the essays are insightful and thought-provoking . . . " —Sonneck Society Bulletin These essays offer striking portraits of working environments where song arose in response to prevailing conditions. Included are the protest blues of African American levee workers, the corridos of Chicano farm workers, and the European songs of immigrant lumber workers in the Midwest.