Afro-American Work Songs in a Texas Prison
Afro-American Work Songs in a Texas Prison is one of the most talked-about Documentary movies released in 1966, attracting audiences with its cinematic storytelling and memorable performances.
Pete and Toshi Seeger, their son Daniel, and folklorist Bruce Jackson visited a Texas prison in Huntsville in March of 1966 and produced this rare document of of work songs by inmates of the Ellis Unit. Worksongs helped African American prisoners survive the grueling work demanded of them. With mechanization and integration, worksongs like these died out shortly after this film was made.
