Rock Island Line
First recording by Kelly Pace and Group (October 2, 1934)
First release by Lead Belly (May 1942)
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- Written by
- Clarence Wilson
- Language
- English
- Comments
- The Rock Island Line (in full, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad) encouraged its employees to take part in extra-curricular activities such as singing in choirs and writing songs to build brand awareness and loyalty (or “boost” in contemporary terminology) amongst their communities. The song Rock Island Line was written by Clarence Wilson, an engine wiper (cleaner) who worked at the Biddle Street Shops, the railroad’s central freight yard and workshop near Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a member of a vocal group, the Rock Island Colored Booster Quartet, that was based at the Biddle Street Shops and this group first performed his song in December 1929.
- Rating
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- Licensing
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