Info on Joe Hill - the IWW union organizer

[Dan Reedy]

In trying to find some info on Joe Hill, I ran across information that linked him to Stephen King. So, I thought I would post my request for info here.

I heard a radio report about the songwriting of the IWW Joe Hill and how he had written songs with a style that would be easier to learn for the non-musical and illiterate. I don't remember the whole of it - but maybe he used a smaller vocabulary and was repetitive in the lyrics.

I have taught ESL to immigrants and I have wondered if songs/music would be a good tool for teaching English to non-English speakers. And in the story about Hill's writing style, I saw overlap between the two populations.

Bottom line, has anyone here read anything about a conscious effort to write union organizing songs for non-readers.

Since the month since (I think) I heard about Hill's songwriting, I have read two biographies of the guy - since stuck with me.

Thank you

 

[Moderator]

Welcome to the Board!

Yes, it's true Joe Hill(strom) was named after the union organizer. Don't know the answer to your question about union organizing songs for non-readers, though.

 

[Spideyman]

Hi and welcome to the SKMB.

 

[doowopgirl]

Welcome and keep posting.

 

[Hill lover35]

In trying to find some info on Joe Hill, I ran across information that linked him to Stephen King. So, I thought I would post my request for info here.

I heard a radio report about the songwriting of the IWW Joe Hill and how he had written songs with a style that would be easier to learn for the non-musical and illiterate. I don't remember the whole of it - but maybe he used a smaller vocabulary and was repetitive in the lyrics.

I have taught ESL to immigrants and I have wondered if songs/music would be a good tool for teaching English to non-English speakers. And in the story about Hill's writing style, I saw overlap between the two populations.

Bottom line, has anyone here read anything about a conscious effort to write union organizing songs for non-readers.

Since the month since (I think) I heard about Hill's songwriting, I have read two biographies of the guy - since stuck with me.

Thank you

Hmm intersting question. As mss mod said kings son joe was named after joe hill the u ion guy from a song by Joan beaz. That was popular at the time. I whant to say that yes that union songs whould be "dumbed down" so the union members could understand. I am. Ot calling them dumb just not accidents smart. I live in a union ish town and was a member of the caw (AMA) American auto workers. And union members u have seen and talked to need it delivered In a simple way. So yes song lyrics is good for ESl. I also like to recommend children's dictionary's. I will ask my friend what has helped her in dealing with esl people.

 

[GNTLGNT]

In trying to find some info on Joe Hill, I ran across information that linked him to Stephen King. So, I thought I would post my request for info here.

I heard a radio report about the songwriting of the IWW Joe Hill and how he had written songs with a style that would be easier to learn for the non-musical and illiterate. I don't remember the whole of it - but maybe he used a smaller vocabulary and was repetitive in the lyrics.

I have taught ESL to immigrants and I have wondered if songs/music would be a good tool for teaching English to non-English speakers. And in the story about Hill's writing style, I saw overlap between the two populations.

Bottom line, has anyone here read anything about a conscious effort to write union organizing songs for non-readers.

Since the month since (I think) I heard about Hill's songwriting, I have read two biographies of the guy - since stuck with me.

Thank you

....Hiya Dan!.....maybe this will give you a lead......
Don't Mourn-Organize!: Songs of Labor Songwriter Joe Hill | Smithsonian Folkways

 

[king family fan]