“Forty-Four Hammers: A Look into the History of Prison Worksongs”

Redemption Songs is a newsletter that brings attention to the music of incarcerated artists, featuring a different song each week. This week, we delve into the history of prison work songs and spotlight “Forty-Four Hammers,” a powerful track recorded at the Retrieve State Prison Farm in Texas by Bruce Jackson in 1964.

Jackson’s project aimed to capture the music and culture of black work crews in Texas prisons, who carried on the tradition of songs passed down from enslaved ancestors. The resulting album, “Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons,” featured a variety of work songs, spirituals, toasts, and sermons. One of the standout tracks, “Forty-Four Hammers,” mirrors the rhythm of labor, with lyrics about yearning for beautiful women intertwined with the sounds of axes and hoes at work.

Morgan White, a participant in the recordings, highlighted the vital role these songs played in easing the burden of grueling labor under harsh conditions. The music served as a form of solace and a way to mark time, offering a semblance of distraction from the hardships of the day.

These recordings are part of a broader tradition of documenting prison music, with folklorists like John Lomax laying the foundation in the 1930s. However, while Lomax’s efforts were marred by accusations of exploitation, Jackson’s work in the 1960s took on a different tone. His recordings paint a stark picture of the enduring legacy of forced labor and cultural ties to slavery within the prison system.

Looking back on these recordings today, as we approach Juneteenth, it’s evident that the themes of resilience, survival, and creative expression endure. Although much has changed since the ’60s, including the significant increase in incarcerated individuals and tighter media restrictions, the music remains a poignant reminder of a troubled past and a testament to the endurance of the human spirit.

“Forty-Four Hammers” stands as a testament to the rich history of prison work songs and the power of music to transcend adversity. Through these recordings, we gain insight into the lives of those who toiled in the fields, finding solace and connection through song in the midst of hardship.