Which US river was made famous by a songwriter who never saw it and also appears in the name of a rather limited musical instrument?

potterguy

OK, I'll bite...I'm guessing it was the Suwannee River, by Stephen Foster, but I'm not sure what the instrument is. Apr 27 05, 8:35 PM

gmackematix

Yay Potterguy! You are spot on with the river although Stephen Foster called it "Swanee", as did George Gershwin in his song made famous by Al Jolson. Someone should be able to tell us the instrument, although why the instrument was so named I don't know. Apr 28 05, 1:14 AM

lanfranco

You may be talking about the "Swanee Slide Whistle." However, I cannot let you slide by one of the great American folk composers, not to mention the great American banjo and harmonica (and the flageolet -- an old-fashioned flute), without a heartfelt nod to Foster's greatness -- political incorrectness and all. http://www.pitt.edu/~amerimus/foster.htm Apr 28 05, 1:37 AM

gmackematix

Yay Frankie, the Clangers' favourite instrument it was, although I've never heard it used in either of the "Swanee" songs. Despite "The Old Folks Back Home" being Florida's state song, Foster had never been there. In his first draft, the Pedee River was used. I agree that he was a great songwriter with hits including "Beautiful Dreamer", "Oh Suzanna" and "I Dream of Jeannie". In fact, like Foghorn Leghorn, I could sing his songs all the doodah day. Apr 28 05, 5:31 PM

Baloo55th

There's nothing limited about a good Swannee whistle! Fully chromatic and all the bits in between as well. Mine's a bit rubbishy, but it was very cheap. I'm looking for a better one. Apr 29 05, 5:54 AM

potterguy

And not to be too picky, but it would have been South Carolina's Peedee River, not the Pedee River. And, I would guess, Swanee flows rather more mellifluously off the tongue than does Suwannee. Apr 29 05, 10:57 PM

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