During the “Red Scare” of the 1950s, many American writers and performers were blacklisted and deprived of employment because they were or were suspected of having belonged to the Communist Party. Books, plays and films were thought to be filled with Soviet propaganda. A number of blacklisted artists found work producing musical stories for Young People’s Records. Although they worked anonymously, or under pseudonyms, they still managed to draw fire from the accusing majority.
This edition of the Treasure Ivan Show looks back at some of the Young People’s Records’s albums that were held up as subversive and dangerous to youngsters of the time. “The Carrot Seed”, “Tom’s Hiccups” and “Eensie Beensie Spider” are featured and commentary is provided from David Noebel, author of The Marxist Minstrels and Rhythm, Riots, and Revolution. Musical interludes are provided by the Red Army Chorus.
We are happy to think you will have a laugh over what you hear on this show. Just remember you have a 60 year advantage over those who were there in the first place. Hindsight has a funny way of finding the absurdity in what was once a serious concern.
Song of Youth
Soviet Red Army Chorus
Tom’s Hiccups
Tom’s Hiccups
Tom Glazer & Alan Bunce
The Volga Boatman
Soviet Red Army Chorus
Eensie Beensie Spider
Eensie Beensie Spider
Norman Rose
Skip to My Lou
Tom Glazer
The Carrot Seed
Norman Rose
The Carrot Seed
The Carrot Seed
Ivan Ulz
Magic Flying Song
The Toppers, with the Tops Orchestra
California Girls
Leningrad Cowboys & Soviet Red Army Chorus