"I Am a Pilgrim" is an American hymn dating to the middle of the nineteenth century. It was first recorded in 1924 by the Norfolk Jubilee Quartet, a prominent African American gospel group (don't miss their clip at the bottom of the post). I first heard it by Doc Watson, and then by the Byrds. I can't explain it, but I just love Doc's four note base run between "not" and "made by hand." Many of the other artists have picked it up, but not all -- which is too bad in my book.
I couldn't find an earlier video of Doc playing this song, but there is an audio clip of Doc and Merle toward the bottom of the post.
The Byrds play the bass run (Chris Hillman and Marty Stuart on guitar)
No bass run by Merle Travis, and he would have crushed it for sure:
Here is the Clarence White instrumental:
And here are some other instrumentals:
Doc and Merle (audio)
The original Byrds' recording, with Doc's four-note run:
First recording by the Jubilee Quartet:
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