Drop on Down in Florida: Field Recordings of African American Traditional Music 1977-1980

Drop on Down in Florida: Field Recordings of African American Traditional Music (Expanded Edition)

Originally released in 1981, Drop on Down in Florida remains a landmark collection documenting the deep roots of African American music traditions in the state. This expanded reissue offers an even fuller portrait, drawn from previously unreleased field recordings and photographs.

This set includes:

• 28 newly added tracks—nearly 80 minutes of previously unreleased music
• Original liner notes, plus new essays by contemporary folklorists
• 60 unpublished photographs from the field
• In-depth track annotations by leading music scholars

The collection spans blues, gospel-blues, Sacred Harp singing, and personal stories from musicians and community members. Highlights include the distinctive one-string stylings of Moses Williams, powerful four-shape-note Sacred Harp singing, and intimate performances by the Richard Williams family.

This edition not only preserves rare musical traditions—it brings them to life with rich context and heartfelt storytelling. A vital document of Florida’s cultural history.

Learn more in our Substack post.

Prefer the book? Check out the physical version here.