Folk music changed significantly over the 1960s, and the Old Town School was no different--even as it sought to preserve the traditional music that defined it from the start. This episode features stories from Mike Dunbar, Ed Holstein, Stephen Wade, and more from the school’s second incarnation at 909 W Armitage Ave, where Ray Tate took over leadership from the school’s founders in the late 1960s. This is part three of a six-part documentary series on the 60-year history of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, told through the voices and songs of the people who were there. Many of the stories featured were gathered in partnership with StoryCorps this year, along with music and interviews from the archive in the school’s Resource Center. Go to oldtownschool.org/StoryCorps to learn more.

Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence):- “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s - Win Stracke, “Farewell to Frank,” 4/15/1962 - “In the Evening” performed by Frank Hamilton, 4/15/1962 - StoryCorps conversation between Mike Dunbar & Mark Dvorak, 12/13/2016 - “Medicine Show” performed by Mike Dunbar at 909 W Armitage Ave, 1975 - “Sans Day Carol” by Armstrong party guests, New Year’s Day party, 1/1/1963 - Ed Holstein interviews, 4/29/16 with Mareva Lindo & 3/22/17 with Rick Weiland (StoryCorps) - “Come Fare Away (Marnie)” performed by Fred Holstein at Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/28/1976 - Art Thieme phone interview by Paul Tyler, 1992 - “Drill Ye Tarriers Drill” performed by Win Stracke, Compendium, circa 1965 - “Elanoy” performed by Art Thieme, Wandering Folksong, 1/4/1980 - StoryCorps conversation between Judy Hauff & Louise Dimiceli-Mitran, 3/22/2017 - “I Am A Pilgrim,” performed by Ray Tate, Studs Terkel program, 1968 - “John Henry” performed by Stu Ramsey, 333 W North Ave, 4/15/1962 - "All the Good People" (written by Ken Hicks) performed by Fred Holstein, Old Town School benefit at Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980- “Drop Down Mama” performed by Ed Holstein, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, 11/13/2005 - “The Twentieth Century is Almost Over” performed by Steve Goodman, circa 1980s- “Six O’Clock News” performed by John Prine, Stages Music Hall, 9/28/1980 - StoryCorps conversation between Jimmy Tomasello & Bill Brickey, 3/22/2017 - “Banjo Contest (partial)” performed by Stephen Wade, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 7/31/1975 - StoryCorps conversation between Stephen Wade & Matt Brown, 4/13/2017 - “Walking Boss” performed by Fleming Brown, Somebody Else’s Troubles, 2/26/1976

Additional reading: - Steve Goodman: Facing the Music by Clay Eals