Earl Robinson's autobiography, Ballad of an American, is the life-and-times story of the composer who wrote the immortal labor song "Joe Hill" and the cantata Ballad for Americans, which caused a media storm when it appeared on CBS national radio, with Paul Robeson singing baritone, in 1939. A member of America's Old Left, a perpetual FBI target, and eventually an adherent to New Age philosophies, Earl Robinson characterizes the expanse of America in the twentieth century through his music. Robinson was involved in folk music from the beginning, and his influence would eventually be felt by all of America through such artists as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.Ballad of an American is not a definitive musicological or biographical work, but a witty, darting, first-person account of one of America's most famous composers, during one of the most lively times in American history. The book reads like a well-rehearsed anecdote, infected with Robinson's humor and containing telling word portraits of some of America's most important artists, such as Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, Carl Sandburg, and Frank Sinatra. Much like his music, Robinson does not shy away from the rough textures of his life and frankly discusses painful personal issues, musical triumphs, as well as the evolution of his active engagement in social and political expression.Eric A. Gordon, Robinson's collaborator for the book, has had access to Robinson's extensive personal archive of awards, newspaper clippings, letters, photographs, and interview transcripts collected over Robinson's life. The book also contains a list of works and a discography of Robinson's musical compositions. With Gordon's assistance, Earl Robinson has been eminently successful at creating a readable, human account of a life in music.

Ballad of an American: The Autobiography of Earl Robinson (Volume 3)

Biographies & Memoirs

Earl Robinson

Eric A. Gordon

Arts & Literature

Scarecrow Press

The street barker says, "Tell ya what I'm gonna do," then sets about filling your head with fantasies of how his miracle process can cure colds, shine shoes, remove stains, and add years to your life. It is not our intention to mislead you, make you dream of being a super-star after barely reading reading pages of Earl Robinson's fantastic book "Play Guitar in Ten Sessions." Perhaps we make this disclaimer because the title suggests you will soon play well enough to appear on national television. This is not the case. Playing well through self-instruction requires time, patience, devotion, and a good book. We provide the latter. Based on many years of experience with instrument, Earl Robinson has written with simple clarity, a guide for those approaching the guitar for the first time. Session by session he involves the student with the meaning and understanding of the correct position of the guitar, the structure of chords, the strum, the umpah, the index scratch, the capo and other matters which are the basics of student training. The visual presentation which accompanies Earl's instruction aids greatly to this understanding. In addition, he uses folk songs, stories, anecdotes and background material by some of the giants in american folk music, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Alan Lomax and many others. Best of all, Earl tells you why a chord or string doesn't sound right and what to do about it. So, get your copy now. Read how you too can play like..

Play Guitar in Ten Sessions: Everything for the Beginner in Folk Guitar (Everybody's Favorite Series, Volume 128)

Arts & Photography

Music

Amsco Music Publishing Company

The Bible: Fact or Fiction

Schmul Publishing Co., Inc.

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Books by Earl Robinson