Almeda Riddle was a folk singer from Arkansas who garnered a following with the advent of new folk movements in the 1960's. Before that time, however, she was discovered by an English Professor and Folklorist at Lyon College in Arkansas named John Quincy Wolf, who was responsible for first recording her singing.
Riddle is known for her ability to memorize lyrics and music to hundreds of songs, which made her valuable to a folklorist, as well as her fresh and startling renditions of the traditional Appalachian and Ozark folk cannon.
There is a link on the right side of the page to a free documentary on Riddle, which is a very good way to become familiar with this unique and incredible talent from our nation's past.