Settle's brother claimed that Settle composed the piece, which he called the "Graveyard Waltz," and was playing it one evening when John Valentine Eppel heard it and used it with his orchestra. Another version claims that gifted piano player Edgar Lee Settle of New Franklin, Missouri, obtained the tune from the DiArmo sisters, a musical team on his theatrical circuit, who in turn, had been given it by an old African American man from the South. Around Moberly, Missouri, residents say that the original composer was Dab Hannah, an African American piano player, but in Oskaloosa, some say that Henry Clay Cooper, an African American dance instructor, gave the melody to Logan. According to one version, Eppel learned the melody from an African American man in Missouri who had been taught the tune by his mother. Most versions of the song's origins agree that Logan picked up the song from orchestra leader John Valentine Eppel of Fort Dodge, Iowa. The lyrics did not appear with the tune until later. About 1000 copies were published in Chicago and distributed to various music dealers and orchestra leaders. It is difficult to determine the origin of the "Missouri Waltz." Historians generally agree that the tune was first printed around 1912 by Frederick Knight Logan of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Seems I hear voices low, as in days long ago, When the stars were blinkin' and the moon was climbin' high, Way down in Missouri where I learned this lullaby, It seems like your Mommy is there once again,Īnd the old folks were strummin' that same old refrain. Journey back to Dixieland in dreams again with me Hush-a-bye ma baby, go to sleep on Mommy's knee, Seems I hear those banjos playin' once again,Īnd you wander in dreams back to Dixie, it seems, The old folks were hummin' their banjos were strummin' When I was a little child upon my Mommy's knee Way down in Missouri where I heard this melody, While the soft breezes sigh as in days long gone by. The sandman is callin' where shadows are fallin', Rest yo' head upon my breast while Mommy hums a tune Hush-a-bye, ma baby, slumbertime is comin' soon The "The Missouri Waltz" was adopted as the official state song on June 30, 1949.
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