"Fables of Faubus" is a song composed by jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus. It was written as a direct protest against Arkansas governor Orval E. Faubus, who in 1957 sent out the National Guard to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School by nine African American teenagers. Jazz is an original American musical art form originating around the start of the 20th century in New Orleans, rooted in Western music technique and theory, and is marked by the profound cultural contributions of African Americans. ... Side and front views of a modern double bass with a French bow. ... A composer is a person who writes music. ... Charles Mingus (April 22, 1922 – January 5, 1979), also known as Charlie Mingus, was an American jazz bassist, composer, bandleader, and occasional pianist. ... Official language(s) English Capital Little Rock Largest city Little Rock Area  Ranked 29th  - Total 53,179 sq mi (137,732 km²)  - Width 239 miles (385 km)  - Length 261 miles (420 km)  - % water 2. ... Orval Eugene Faubus (7 January 1910–14 December 1994) was a six-term Democratic Governor of Arkansas, infamous for his 1957 stand against integration of Little Rock, Arkansas schools in defiance of U.S. Supreme Court rulings. ...

The song was first recorded for Mingus' 1959 album, Mingus Ah Um. However, the version recorded on that album lacked the song's lyrics as a result of Columbia Records believing them to be too controversial for release. Consequently, it was not until 1960 that Mingus was able to release the song as originally intended, on the album Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus, which was recorded for the more independent Candid label. On this album, in reference to the censorship the song had received, it was titled "Original Faubus Fables". Mingus Ah Um is an album by Charles Mingus, recorded and released in 1959. ... Candid Records was founded as a subsiduary of Archie Bleyers Cadence label in New York City in 1960. ...

The personnel for the Candid recording were Charles Mingus (bass, vocals), Dannie Richmond (drums, vocals), Eric Dolphy (alto saxophone), and Ted Curson (trumpet). Out to Lunch, 1964 Eric Allan Dolphy (June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964) was a jazz musician who played alto saxophone, flute and bass clarinet. ...

The song, either with or without lyrics, was one of the compositions which Mingus returned to most often, both on record and in concert.

Mingus' song has been recorded by other jazz musicians, including Gerry Mulligan, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Hunter, and Oliver Lake. The Normand Guilbeault Ensemble released a version called "Fables of (George Dubya) Faubus" in 2004. Gerry Muligan Gerald Joseph Gerry Mulligan (April 6, 1927 – January 20, 1996) was an American jazz musician, composer and arranger best known for his baritone saxophone playing, but also played the piano and the clarinet. ... Lionel Hampton with George W. Bush Lionel Hampton (April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002), was a bandleader, jazz percussionist and vibraphone virtuoso. ... Charlie Hunter Trio Charlie Hunter is a jazz, rock and fusion guitarist. ... Oliver Lake (b. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the 43rd and current President of the United States and a former governor of Texas. ...

Samples

Image File history File links Fables_Of_Faubus. ... Mingus Ah Um is an album by Charles Mingus, recorded and released in 1959. ...

Sources

• Charles Mingus: More Than a Fake Book. ISBN 0-7935-0900-9.