O Death facts for kids

O Death — also known as O, Death, Oh Death, and Conversations with Death — is a traditional American folk song. It's a classic tune that has been passed down through many generations.

What is "O Death"?

"O Death" is a well-known folk song from America. Folk songs are special because they often tell stories or share feelings. They are usually passed down by people singing them, rather than being written down. This song is sometimes called "Conversations with Death" because it sounds like someone is talking to Death itself.

Early Recordings of "O Death"

A famous Country blues banjo player named Moran Lee "Dock" Boggs helped make this song popular. He was born in 1898 and lived until 1971. Dock Boggs recorded "O Death" in the late 1920s. His recording helped many people hear this traditional tune.

Another important recording of the song happened in 1938. This recording was made at the National Folk Festival in Washington, D.C. You can find this special recording stored at the Library of Congress, which is a huge library that keeps important historical items.

"O Death" Through the Years

Over the years, many other folk music artists have performed "O Death." Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, different musicians included "Oh, Death" on their albums and collections. This shows how timeless and important the song has remained in American folk music.