Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Here is a beautifully written and deeply researched biography of one of the giants of folk and blues music but a figure who, though once one of THE pioneers in taking blues music to the mass white audience, suffered a major dip in his reputation in the '60s and '70s. Wald skilfully traces White's journey from a childhood where he would lead blind blues and gospel singers on the streets of Greenville, South Carolina to the 1930s where his recordings for Perfect Records as The Singing Christian established him as a star among the black, rural community. In the 1940s Josh was discovered by white audiences and appeared regularly in New York cabarets alongside such artists as Billie Holliday. He also became one of the first exponents of folk music for a left wing intelligentsia and such diverse songs as Irish ballad "Molly Malone", "One Meat Ball" (his biggest ever hit), "Strange Fruit" (the powerful musical depiction of racist lynching) and "House Of The Rising Sun" (White's 1940's recording was the one from which the Animals learnt the song) all becoming staples of White's repertoire alongside the blues numbers - both self-composed and traditional. Josh was one of the few black figures to star on Broadway and appear in Hollywood films and became something of a sex symbol for wealthy white socialites. In the '50s he won acclaim in Europe then saw his achievements collapse in the political turmoil of the McCarthy era. He gained more popularity in Europe but until the folk revival of the early '60s was largely forgotten in the USA. The singer/guitarist died in 1969. Throughout this handsome hardback Walk skilfully documents the numerous twists and turns of White's career. Thanks to the wide range of interview material it is never less than fascinating read taking in social and political as well as musical history. From a Christian perspective what is most concerning is the revelation that despite a lifetime of singing gospel songs and being referred to as a "deeply committed Christian" in numerous album sleevenotes, White was a hardcore womaniser who committed adultery with literally dozens of different women. A tragedy then that The Singing Christian couldn't have found the fruit of self control to accompany his consummate musical talent.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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