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John Henry As part of the "Present at the Creation" series, Stephen Wade traces the roots of "John Henry." The song tells the story about a legendary black construction laborer of mythic strength, brawn and heroism. He's been the stuff of American legends, art, and scholarship for over a century. The song remains one of the most enduring in American folk music although the historic figure's background remains murky.

John Henry

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John Henry

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As part of the "Present at the Creation" series, Stephen Wade traces the roots of "John Henry." The song tells the story about a legendary black construction laborer of mythic strength, brawn and heroism. He's been the stuff of American legends, art, and scholarship for over a century. The song remains one of the most enduring in American folk music although the historic figure's background remains murky.

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