Lead Kindly Light: Music and Photographs from the South

A rare portrait of the rural American South, where haunting pre-war recordings meet forgotten vernacular photography.

Lead Kindly Light gathers together 46 tracks of traditional music from early 78 rpm discs (1924–1939) and a richly illustrated book of antique photographs, creating a vivid portrait of Southern life between the dawn of the twentieth century and World War II.

The music spans old-time fiddle bands, Appalachian string music, country blues, and gospel singing—46 rare recordings, many of them seldom or never reissued. Alongside the music are 159 photographs from the collection of Sarah Bryan, reproduced in full color. These intimate, often accidental snapshots reveal the textures of everyday rural life: family gatherings, church services, farming, and small-town celebrations.

Collectors Peter Honig (78s) and Sarah Bryan (photographs) devoted years to uncovering these treasures, preserving the voices and images of the pre-war South. Together, they form a moving testament to a culture in transition, steeped in hardship, devotion, and creativity.

What’s Included

• 46- audio tracks
• rare audio recordings from 78 rpm discs (1924–1939), remastered
• View the complete tracklist here: [Insert hosted PDF link]
• 176-page digital book (PDF) featuring:
• Original liner notes and historical commentary
• 159 photographs from the collection of Sarah Bryan, many published here for the first time

Track Highlights

• Carter Family – Motherless Children
• Mississippi Bracey – Stered Gal
• Dykes’ Magic City Trio – Frankie and Cotton Eyed Joe
• Loveless Twins Quartet – Lead Kindly Light
• Jilson Setters – Way Up On Clinch Mountain
• Riley Puckett – Railroad Bill