Midnight Special is a classical folk song that Southern American prisoners first produced. The song is based on the then-popular passenger train known as Midnight Special. To date, the traditional folk song is performed in the form of country blues reflecting on the lives of prisoners. The version of the song was recorded by Leadbelly for Alan Lomax and John in 1934 when he was imprisoned in Angola state prison. Midnight Train was from Houston, and Alan and John described it as a train with bright lights (American Routes, 2018). The train was unique, and its lights were shining into the Sugarland prison cell. They considered the light from the train a blessing because it meant hope for freedom and salvation to the prisoners.
According to Charlies Neville, music has helped people cope with hardships and extremities of life. Songs produced in prisons are full testimonials that portray the importance of music as a stress reliever to the oppressed people experiencing hardships (American Routes, 2018). Prisoners have no choice but to endure poor living conditions such as hostility, overcrowded facilities, loss of dignity and social status. Prison music is different from other music because it is meant to express the pain of the prison experience. Apart from being a musical style, prison music is an interactive musical experience.
Lead Belly is among the most colorful but notorious artists in the history of American folk music. He spent time in and out of American Southern prisons for various criminal acts, including attempted murder, violent crimes, and murder. Until 1933, his talent was recognized in Louisiana’s Angola State Prison by Alan Lomax and John, who also processed his early release from prison. Compared to other incarcerated music figures, Lead Belly led a confused musical life despite his talent (American Routes, 2018). The numerous imprisonments gave him no room for financial advancement and prosperity. His songs covered many topics, including cowboys, racism, life in prison, women, and natural disasters. Several pieces expressed how he longed for human bonding due to the tragedy of separation he experienced through violent life and recklessness.
Vybz Kartel is one of the celebrated dancehall artists serving a life sentence in prison since 2011 after being convicted of murder. However, the musician rules the airwaves through his new recordings and releases. He has left his fans amazed at how he records many tracks (American Routes, 2018). Despite being in prison, his music still tops various local and international airtime. Steve Earle was another musician that wrote scripts in jail. He was arrested several times for possessing cocaine and heroin in 1993 and 1994. He used his 60 days jail sentence constructively by writing music. The 60 days jail sentence saw him write one of his favorite albums, Train A Comin.
Other great musicians who served jail terms in Angola prisons in Southern America were Robert Welch, Hogman Maxey, and Robert P. Williams. Their musical breakthrough came when recorded with an Ampex 500 tape recorder by an English Professor Harry Oster. Music has a unique role in American prisons, and today, prisoners sing in gospel choirs, rap in the fields, write songs, and perform in country bands. Music has served many roles in US prisons, including safer expressing emotions, reducing animosity and tension, and increasing empathy. Thus, a sense of peace for the prisoners who face difficulties (American Routes, 2018) Prisons have produced some of the musicians and talents in the US. The contributions of traditional folk artists such as Lead Belly, Robert Welch, and Hogman Maxey cannot go unnoticed. Their efforts and contributions to the history of American music must be recognized and discussed by mainstream media such as American Routes.
Reference
American Routes. (2018). Midnight special, shine a light on me: Prison Music from Angola, Louisiana & beyond [Audio podcast].