Composer

:

Benjamin Russell Hanby

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

3:32

'Darling Nelly Gray' is a popular American folk song composed by Benjamin Russell Hanby in 1856. The song was first published in 1857 and quickly became a hit in the United States. It tells the story of a young slave girl named Nelly Gray who is sold away from her lover, a slave named Harry, and forced to work on a plantation in Georgia. The song is composed of three movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement introduces Nelly Gray and Harry and describes their love for each other. The second movement describes Nelly Gray's sale and departure from her home, as well as Harry's grief at her loss. The third movement describes Nelly Gray's life on the plantation and her eventual death. The melody of 'Darling Nelly Gray' is simple and catchy, with a repetitive chorus that is easy to sing along to. The lyrics are poignant and emotional, capturing the pain and suffering of the slaves who were torn apart from their loved ones during the era of slavery in the United States. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Darling Nelly Gray' is its use of dialect and vernacular language. Hanby wrote the song in the voice of a slave, using language and phrasing that was common among African Americans in the mid-19th century. This gives the song a sense of authenticity and helps to convey the experiences of the slaves who inspired it. Overall, 'Darling Nelly Gray' is a powerful and moving song that has endured for over 150 years. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the struggles and injustices faced by those who were enslaved in the United States.

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