Duane Eddy - Songs Of Our Heritage

Following the success of Eddy's first three albums, he chose to delve into America's rich musical past for the LP Songs of Our Heritage. Originally issued by the Jamie label in 1960, it has been long unavailable on vinyl. A much more acoustic LP than any of its predecessors (here Eddy plays acoustic guitar, banjo, and concert guitar), it became his fourth charting album in the UK, peaking at #13. All of the songs are traditional tunes, arranged here by Duane Eddy (except the cowboy song Mule Train, which was penned by Fred Glickman, Hy Heath and Johnny Lange). This long play offers quiet and moody performances, which mark a significant departure from the high-octane excitement of his previous recordings. Eddy's readings of the tunes Cripple Creek, Streets of Laredo, and Scarlet Ribbons (among others), showed that it was possible within the rock & roll genre to both preserve traditional American music, and also enhance it with a more modern sound.

In addition to the original LP, this essential WaxTime 500 release includes the bonus track Lost Island, which was taped during the same period.