Waiting For The Robert E. Lee is a great song, written in 1912 (Lyrics by L. Wolfe Gilbert, Music by Lewis F. Muir), and recorded by numerous musical stars. Al Jolson recorded it in 1912, and then again in the 40s. There is a problem, though. The Robert E. Lee was a steamboat that worked on the Mississippi. The song places you in Alabama. Steamboats did work in Alabama, but the Mississippi does not go there! Oh Well, it is still a good song, and folks will probably be singing it for another 100 years.
Hey Mr TrueBlueSam, Its Chris from AZ, You probably dont remember me or my Dad but we met a few times in Sparta IL for Shotgun nationals.
ReplyDeletedo you have a contact email I can get in touch with you, or can you email me please?
Of course I remember you! Boy was it hot when you were at Sparta to shoot! It was a real treat to show you and your dad my friend's engine shed. You can reach me at: truebluetravelinman (at) gmail (dot) com
Deletemaybe it was the Tennessee River that does dip into Alabama as it heads to the Mississippi
ReplyDeleteYes, the Tennessee River in north Alabama, plus the Tombigbee River into Mobile Bay both had steamboat traffic. I am embarrassed that I never thought about the geography in this song until my mid-70s!
Delete