"Goodnight Irene," or "Irene," is an American folk standard. It was popularized by Leadbelly in the 1940s, and was a hit for the Weavers in 1950. It has since been recorded by a number of artists, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Ry Cooder, and Michelle Shocked. In England, it is associated with the Bristol Rovers football team. Folk music, in the original sense of the term, is music by and of the people. ... Leadbelly, circa 1942; shown with an accordion, though he typically played guitar Leadbelly (January 29, 1885 – December 6, 1949) was an influential blues singer and guitarist. ... // Events and trends The 1940s were dominated by World War II, the most destructive armed conflict in history. ... The Weavers were an immensely popular and influential folk music quartet from Greenwich Village, New York, United States. ... 1950 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... Jerry Lee Lewis Jerry Lee Lewis (born September 29, 1935) is an American rock and roll singer, songwriter, and pianist, as well as an early pioneer of the rock and roll movement. ... Johnny Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was a vastly influential singer and songwriter. ... Ry Cooder (born March 15, 1947) is a guitarist especially well known for his slide guitar work. ... Michelle Shocked, born Karen Michelle Johnston, is a singer-songwriter whose music and performances seem influenced by her Texas roots, her political activism, and a self-assured style that her first major-label producer likened to troubadors such as Joni Mitchell, Spider John Koerner, and Dave Van Ronk. ... Bristol Rovers F.C. is the oldest professional football team in Bristol, England. ...

Multimedia

• Good Night Irene - lyrics and midi on RienziHills.com