Who Wrote the Stanley Brothers’ Hit “Man of Constant Sorrow”?

The song “Man of Constant Sorrow” is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists throughout the years. The song is most commonly associated with the Stanley Brothers, who recorded it in the 1950s. However, there has been some debate over who actually wrote the song. In this article, we will explore the history of the song and the various claims to its authorship.

The History of “Man of Constant Sorrow”

“Man of Constant Sorrow” is a traditional American folk song that has been passed down through generations of musicians. The song tells the story of a man who is plagued by sorrow and misfortune. He has traveled from town to town, trying to find some relief from his troubles, but he always ends up back where he started.

The song first gained widespread attention in the 1920s, when it was recorded by Dick Burnett, a blind fiddler from Kentucky. Burnett claimed that he had written the song himself, but there is some evidence to suggest that he may have simply adapted an existing folk song.

The Stanley Brothers’ Version

The Stanley Brothers’ version of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is the most famous and enduring rendition of the song. The brothers, Ralph and Carter Stanley, recorded the song in 1951 for Columbia Records. The song became an instant hit and helped to establish the Stanley Brothers as one of the most popular acts in bluegrass music.

The song’s popularity continued to grow over the years, and it was covered by many other artists, including Bob Dylan, who recorded a version for the soundtrack of the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” in 2000.

Claims to Authorship

Despite the enduring popularity of the song, there has been some debate over who actually wrote it. As mentioned earlier, Dick Burnett claimed to have written the song in the early 20th century. However, there is evidence to suggest that the song existed in some form before Burnett recorded it.

Another claim to authorship comes from a musician named Emry Arthur. Arthur was a contemporary of Burnett’s and recorded a similar song called “Farewell Song” in the 1920s. Some historians believe that Arthur may have written the original version of the song that later became “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

In the end, the true authorship of “Man of Constant Sorrow” may never be definitively determined. The song is a product of the rich and complex tradition of American folk music, which has always been characterized by its blending of influences and its willingness to borrow from earlier sources.

What is certain, however, is that the song has endured for generations and has touched the hearts of countless listeners. Whether it was written by Dick Burnett, Emry Arthur, or some other unknown songwriter, “Man of Constant Sorrow” remains a beloved classic of American music.