______________________________________________________________________

 White Mansions

A tale from the American Civil War 1861-1865

______________________________________________________________________

 

What is it?

A concept album (1978 release: A&M LP 6004) of songs, accompanied by a booklet, that tells a story that takes place during the American Civil War. Browsing the booklet, you can read passages, view pictures, and follow the lyrics and story line while listening to the songs. The "original idea" and all songs written/composed by Paul Kennerley (except the song "White Trash" - Bernie Leadon & Paul Kennerley). The Ozark Mountain Daredevils did not write any of the songs, but John Dillon and Steve Cash did play and sing on the album.

A tale from the American Civil War 1861-1865. White Mansions is a portrayal of life in the Confederate States of America 1861-1865. The high hopes and deep sorrows of the Southern People are reflected in the experiences of the four characters whose combined words tell the tale of the American Civil War.

MATTHEW J. FULLER, played by John Dillon, is the 23 year old son of a wealthy Georgian cotton planter and is typical of the young aristocracy of the South. Brought up on a large plantation worked by four hundred slaves, he attended both college and military academy and is dedicated to preserving the grand lifestyle of Old Dixie. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he joins a Georgia infantry regiment of the Confederate States Army as a captain.

POLLY ANN STAFFORD, played by Jessi Colter, is Matthew's beautiful sweetheart and lives an equally opulent life as the daughter of a neighboring land owner and diplomat. Shortly after the start of the war, she serves the cause by working in a disease-ridden hospital attending to the many wounded and dying soldiers.

CALEB STONE, played by Steve Cash, epitomizes "white trash", a class of poor southern whites who have no profession, land or property. He finds work whenever he can as an overseer keeping order among the Negro field hands. Caleb resents the power and status of the plantation owners whose wealth emphasizes his own poverty, but in spite of this, he feels a deep loyalty to the South. He joins the fight even if it is just to preserve his only heritage, his superiority over the blacks.

THE DRIFTER, played by Waylon Jennings, acts as the narrator of this story. Descended from good southern stock, he has been unable to settle since being wounded fighting for Texas in the Mexican war. He now leads a lonely life roaming from town to town. Not involved in the actual fighting, the Drifter views both sides clearly and says his piece with gentle strength and worldly wisdom.

THE SLAVES have very little to say in this tell of the war, as indeed they did in reality. Much was talked of them and in the main, the war was fought because of them. But, despite the fact that they represented over a third of the population of the South, their voice was seldom heard.

Note:

The "White Mansions" LP and "The Legend of Jesse James" LP (A&M Records, 1980) were released in 1999 as a double CD, "Confederate Tales", available at Barnes & Noble and other vendors. You also may find the CD or the vinyl of "White Mansions" at ebay.

I highly recommend "White Mansions" to anyone - especially if they like the earlier music of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The songs, vocals, musicianship, and 'sound' are all outstanding. The orchestral strings in the music really add to the overall fullness. Also, the story is very touching.

Get the album so that you can have the biggie-sized booklet and buy the CD for the better sound - ya just can't go wrong with this one!