Notes & Queries – March 2024

Q: What ever happened to the person who wrote all of the songs on Reno & Smiley’s Civil War album? - Jerry Steinberg, Salem, Virginia A: The songwriter in question was Dr. Albert J. Russo, a doctor who practiced medicine in the Salem/Roanoke, Virginia, area for 39 years. His proximity to Reno & Smiley’s headquarters in Roanoke no doubt led to the pairing of his songs with the group. The album has what must be one of the longest titles in history: New and Original Folk Songs Written in Commemoration of the Centennial of the American Civil War, the War Between the States. The album was recorded over a two-day period, on June 5 and 6, 1961. It was released on the King label at a time when there was much interest in the 100th anniversary of the War.  All 12 of the songs on the album were credited to Don Reno and Dr. Albert J. Russo. The selections started out as poetry by Dr. Russo and music was added later by Don Reno. On a number of the songs, Reno recycled the