Win a Copy of “Divided & United: The Songs of the Civil War”

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED AND THE ALBUM STREAM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

Most events throughout history have been riddled with song, from social revolutions like the Civil Rights Movement, to songs speaking out against the draft and heightened involvement in Vietnam. Woody Guthrie’s “The Biggest Thing Man Has Ever Done” tackled the quest to oust Hitler, while a slew of contemporary artists took a swing at the Bush Administration’s decision to head into war in Iraq. 

But, what about the Civil War? Songs reimagining its various battles have popped up here and there in the ongoing evolution of folk and bluegrass music, but the actual music of the Civil War has been a little more elusive. Now, the fine folks at ATO Records and Randall Poster have pulled together a two-disc collection of Civil War Songs recorded by Dolly Parton, Cowboy Jack Clement, Chris Thile, Pokey LaFarge, Ralph Stanley, Steve Earle, John Doe, T Bone Burnett, and many more. It’s an outstanding, expansive collection delves deeply into the psyche of the Civil War, unearthing some of the music that spoke for its time, that blew off its steam, and that pulled the people through that era of the unknown. 

We would love to give a couple copies of Divided & United – The Songs of the Civil War, to two lucky ND community members. You can stream the music in the player below, for a preview.

To enter:  Comment on this post and tell us which of the songs in the player below  you like the best, and why. Or, tell us which of the artists on the album you love the most and why. Or, if both of those ideas stump you, simply tell us why you think you deserve a copy of this wonderful collection.

To comment, scroll to the bottom of this page and leave your comment in the comment field. (Do not click “+Add” at the top of the page, as that will create an entirely separate blog post that we will have to delete.) Comments posted as separate blog posts, via Facebook or Twitter, will not be counted as entries in this contest. Anyone may enter but, due to shipping costs, the prize can only be sent to a US address. 

This contest will close Monday, Nov. 11, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

From a press release:

ATO Records and music supervisor Randall Poster (‘Moonrise Kingdom,’ ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ‘Rave On Buddy Holly’) have joined forces to release ‘Divided & United,’ a two-disc set of Civil War songs brought to life through fresh interpretations by the pioneers, Hall of Famers and rising young stars of country, bluegrass, folk and beyond. The collection celebrates music deeply vital to the history and spirit of America in tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Each song offers a unique window on the past, with themes exploring race, identity and reconciliation in a manner that echoes profoundly today. ]

The tremendous talents on ‘Divided & United’ span several generations and genres: Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton (on a duet with Stuart Duncan), Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ralph Stanley, AA Bondy, Jamey Johnson, Chris Thile, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Taj Mahal, Shovels & Rope, Cowboy Jack Clement, John Doe, Karen Elson and many more. Combined they have won close to 200 GRAMMY Awards, numerous Country Music Awards and include Rock And Roll Hall of Famers, Country Music Hall of Famers and Bluegrass Hall of Famers.

This contest will close Monday, Nov. 11, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

**If you enter this contest and do not want to receive emails alerting you to other entries, click on the link below the comment box that says “Stop Following”.  Simply click that link and you will not receive any emails regarding the contest except notification that you won (if you are one of our winners).