Richard E. Noble

Number #1: the Story of the Original Highwaymen: a Journey Through Folk Music History-- the Folk Revivals, the Great Folk Music Richard E. Noble

In the autumn of 1961, an obscure recording by a little-known college folk group climbed to the top of the Billboard charts. Upon returning to campus for their senior year, the five Highwaymen found themselves with the number one song not only in the U. S. but throughout most of the world. It was the pinnacle of the last Folk Revival of the 20th century, the time of "Great Folk Music Scare". The era that began with Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and the Weavers, and which would eventually give birth to the legend of Bob Dylan, and those who followed, reached its popular, commercial zenith between 1960-1964. "NUMBER #1" tells the story of folk music-- especially at its commercially successful-- through the lens of the Highwaymen and their experiences. The history of folk music is traced from its roots, through the crucible of the Great Depression and World War II, and into the 1950s and 1960s, where it experienced its greatest popularity. The story continues as the legacy of folk music continues into the 21st century. The Highwaymen-- yes, the originals-- are still singing together and still celebrating the folk tradition with songs old and new. Relive the songs of yesterday, celebrate the sounds of today, and look forward to the music of tomorrow with "NUMBER #1".