This auction is for the record “The Backbone of America Is a Mule and Cotton,” recorded live at the Stephen Foster Center in White Springs, Florida, by Abner Jay.  Jay was an outsider rural folk/blues musician.  The catalog number on the record is SoN 122161.  The track listing is written on the front in black marker.  The tracks included are: Ole Black Joe Old Rugged Cross Way Down Upon the Swanee River How Great Thou Art My Ole Kentucky Home Oh Susanna Camptown Races Amazing Grace Deep River Steal Away Ole Them Golden Shippers

The text on the back is also written by hand.  It reads as follows:

ABNER JAY
Sings and Plays
American Classics
Abner has been singing and playing these same songs since 1926.  He plays and sings these songs in the original style.  A one-man band, hambone and pone player.  His banjo dates back to 1748.  He plays banjo, drums, sings and play harmonica all at the same time.  This record is a true collectors item.  It will be worth a lots of money when Abner is dead.  Abner say he is just like ole black Joe, my head is bending low.  Abner is the same to this country as Toscanni is to his country, a CLASSIC.  Abner loves the ole Swanee River Water.  He feels he is to ole now to lay down on his belly and drink from the ole Swanee like he use to.  So now he drinks the water from a half gallon fruit jar.  He drinks about a gallon of Swanee water per day.  He claims this is why his voice is so deep and low, also the secret of him being the father of 16 young'uns.  May God bless you.

The record itself is in good condition, as is the label in the center.  It is used, and there are a few small marks, but nothing that affects playback.  The jacket shows noticeably more wear.  There is no inside lining, and the jacket is peeling a bit at the seams.

The record will be shipped via USPS Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation within one business day of payment. Any special services will be the responsibility of the buyer. Expedited shipping options are available!

A note for buyers from outside the United States: we use eBay's Global Shipping Program to perform international shipments whenever possible. For countries which are not in the Global Shipping Program, we do not offer First Class shipping through the United States Postal Service -- this level does not provide us with adequate tracking or insurance. Upon request, we will provide quotes for USPS Priority Mail International, but in general we strongly prefer to ship via FedEx, UPS, or DHL, as those services provide far more accountability once packages leave the United States. Any customs duties or taxes will also be the responsibility of the buyer.