
Fellow Worker George Mann has released a wonderful compilation of songwriter Si Kahn’s songs about working folks and unions. “Labor Day” includes 21 songs, sung by a host of musicians: Si and George themselves, as well as Billy Bragg, John McCutcheon, Tom Chapin and the Chapin Sisters, Vivian Nesbitt and John Dillon, Michael Johnathon and Odetta, Kathy Mattea, Peggy Seeger, Joe Jencks, Magpie, Cathy Fink and Marcie Marxer, and Laurie Lewis. You may know some of the songs Si wrote, such as “Aragon Mill” performed by Peggy Seeger, and “Go to Work on Monday” sung by John McCutcheon. Eight songs by Si haven’t been recorded before, including Billy Bragg singing “We’re the Ones.”
The songs are at times humorous, and others sorrowful. They tell stories of working people and their unions. All are uplifting, and some will get you on your feet cheering. The compilation album is in honor of Si Kahn’s 80th birthday. Si has been writing songs of social struggle for many decades, and shows his true allegiance by the name of his recording label: Joe Hill Music. Learn more about Si at his website.
George Mann is a Wobbly in upstate New York. He puts on shows all over the world. In 2015, George produced 31 concerts for the IWW’s Joe Hill 100 Roadshow tours commemorating the murder of FW Hill in 1915 – I attended one of those in Bellingham Washington and it was a rocker and a fine tribute. You can see George’s touring schedule on his website. The “Labor Day” album will be a great addition to your collection of songs about uppity workers, union halls, strikes, and the realities of going to work every day. Get it!
Labor Day is available for sale in the IWW store.