The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was the most destructive flood in US history, affecting 630,000 people. Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie wrote a little song about it in 1929. You are probably more familiar with the 1971 version by Led Zeppelin. That's the version covered by a couple of dozen musicians from all over the world, including Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones.
"When the Levee Breaks" evokes our concern about environmental disasters brought on by climate change. This is the latest project from Playing for Change, an organization that aims to connect the world through music. Read more about this video here. (via Digg)
Not mentioned is the hero of that flood, one Isaac Cline, who had been the meteorologist in Galveston at the time of the 1900 hurricane. Cline predicted the extent of the flood and the high point of water at various points along the Mississippi River, and, against Weather Bureau policy, informed the newspapers. His predictions proved to be correct and his early warning saved many lives. As punishment, the Weather Bureau tried to transfer him from the New Orleans office to some remote location, but the Louisiana Congressional Delegation prevented that from occurring. However, the Weather Bureau never forgave him and forced him to retire in 1935. He became an art dealer and made a fortune, dying a wealthy man in 1955.
ReplyDeleteWow. Just wow. And thanks, WTM, for the back story.
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