American protest or topical singer and songwriter (1940–1976) known for his wit, political activism, and distinctive voice. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976. Rare original handwritten music and lyrics to ‘Goin’ to the Mountain’ given to John Herald of The Greenbriar Boys, one musically-lined page both sides, titled at the top, “‘Goin to the Mt.’ words and music by Phil Ochs.” Ochs pens the music and lyrics to the first verse and chorus of the song, totaling 37 bars in 3/4 time, penning the lyrics below each measure and chord progressions above. He continues by typing the lyrics to the second and third verses on the reverse, signed and inscribed below in blue ballpoint, “John—If you decide to use it please let me know. Probably have another one on the way soon—Phil.” The handwritten first verse and chorus, in full: "Gone is the ri-din' of the rails, Gone are the friends to go to bail, Gone long gone is the time when the women would be mine, When the women they would be mine. Chorus: I'm go-in' to the moun-tain gon-na lay up there a while, Send my saddle to the moun-tain let me leave this old world in style." In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Herald, in full: “The song ‘Going To The Mountain’ was handed to me by Phil Ochs to learn. He thought I’d like the song because of its country flavor. I am a country bluegrass folksinger and was a member of a group called The Greenbriar Boys, the first professional touring bluegrass group in the Northeast. Our hay-day was in the 1960’s. The song was written by Phil Ochs.” After Ochs left Ohio State in 1962 without graduating, he worked at a club in Cleveland where he opened for the Greenbriar Boys before heading for fame in NYC. We have never before encountered anything similar to this remarkable piece—an entire song written out by one of the greatest folk singers of a generation. RR Auction COA.
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