5/1/1868 They hanged Tom Dooley

May 1, 1868.  People who complain about modern pop music glorifying violence may forget the huge hit which helped goose the folk music revival.  The Kingston Trio's "Tom Dooley" was a number one hit in 1958.

It was written by Thomas Land, and based on the murder of Laura Foster. in North Carolina.  Tom Dula (pronounced Dooley) was hung for the  crime on May 1, 1868.  Many people say he didn't do it.

The Kingston Trio learned their version from someone who learned it from Frank Proffitt.  I have heard that when Proffitt heard their recording he was furious. Thought they were making fun of him.

That's a picture of Tom Dula in his Confederate uniform, by the way.