I'll admit, I sometimes buy record albums simply for the cover. Particularly if they evoke something Halloween related. This album fits that category.
Ruth Welcome was German-born, but emigrated to the United States at the age of 8. During WWII, she toured with the USO playing the zither, lending itself to portability, for troops stationed overseas. When the British film noir "The Third Man" featured a zither in its theme music, it became a popular sound and Ruth took advantage of it, touring the U.S. and eventually signing a contract with Capital Records in 1957. "Zither Magic" was released in 1959 and features covers of popular songs of the times. Here are a few tracks from the album:Ruth retired in 1975 having recorded more zither albums than any other performer. While zither music is no longer popular, her albums continue to draw a cult following.
Nice music And Nice Jacket!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. And definitely a spooky fun cover.
ReplyDeleteI remember the zither was popular in 1970's elementary school music class. I think I had a teacher who could play one.
ReplyDeleteI remember a girl who brought a harpsichord to school to play it during music class. Apparently, a harpsichord is a kind of zither.
Deletea harpsichord is a CLASSY zither!
DeleteThere is no shame in buying albums for the covers. They are art, too, and the photographers and designers would love to know their work is still being seen. It's funny how zithers seemed like they were *everywhere* in the 70s, wasn't it? Not since the pan flute has an instrument fallen so quickly out of popularity!
ReplyDeleteThe thing that strikes me is that this was 1959!! The witchcraft craze in the USA did start in the 1950s but it wasn't really in full public swing until the mid to late 1960s, and then went bonkers in the 1970s. I guess Ruth was ahead of the curve!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point! But i think witches in general have long held a place of fascination in the U.S. -- it's our whole Puritanical roots and all that.
DeleteAlso guilty of buying albums for covers. It's a bonus when you get good music though! Love a bit o' zither!
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