The Ruth Rubin Legacy
Archive of Yiddish Folksongs

Browse by Performer

Fox, Michael

Title

Fox, Michael

Subject

(Student, teacher) [From blue index, RG 620, box 30]

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Michael, aged 22 years old when he recorded for Ruth Rubin, was born in Kazakhstan. His father and mother and older brothers were evacuated from Poland, during the German occupation years, into Soviet Central Asia. Michael and his parents came to the United States when he was 8 years old, after having lived in France a few years. In English, he relates that the family -his parents and older brother - lived in Lodz, then Byalistock - then in Russia (Kazakhstan) a year. Then Poland 2 years, but there was nothing left, so went to Paris - the Rothchilds had given a house to artists and writers - and then another Paris location. Then they emigrated to the U.S. - Pittsburg, then NYC. He was 8.5 years-old when he came to the U.S. He spoke Russian, Polish, French, Yiddish at home. He was surprised to learn that not everybody spoke a different language at home. His mother was from Konyan (sp.?) - near the German border. His father was from Lodz. Michael is a teacher in a secular Yiddish school. The songs he remembers, has learned, and sings, are quite varied. This and the following tape, reveal a warmth and an aptitude, even a talent for singing. [Ed. note:]


He continued writing songs. He also performed Yiddish theater, and participated in the production of the album "Kids in Yiddish" (2002 - A Folksbiene Production).

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Zitst a shnayder

Title

Zitst a shnayder

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] This song he learned from his mother, who didn't know where it was from.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Zitst a shnayder,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2039.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Tayere Malke

Title

Tayere Malke

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Older brother Meyer taught him the melody, which was different (from that of song 3).

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Tayere Malke,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2040.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Tayere Malke (fragment)

Title

Tayere Malke (fragment)

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Sings the more common melody to the song (in 3/4 meter). Rubin remarks that Warshavsky - the same one who wrote Afn Pripetshek - wrote this song. Fox states that Warshavsky didn’t want anyone to write the songs down, Sholem Aleykhem had to encourage him...

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Tayere Malke (fragment),” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2041.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Makht oyf, makht oyf

Title

Makht oyf, makht oyf

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] The songs he remembers, has learned, and sings, are quite varied. This and the following tape, reveal a warmth and an aptitude, even a talent for singing.

Purim song. Learned in Camp Hemshekh, from a girl who learned from her Polish mother. Rubin states, in English, that she never heard it before.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Makht oyf, makht oyf,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2042.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Kum kiyele, kum aroys (fragment)

Title

Kum kiyele, kum aroys (fragment)

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Rubin, in English, asks if Fox remembers songs from his early childhood. He doesn’t remember his mother singing very much. She doesn’t think she has a nice voice, so she doesn’t like to sing. But she knows a lot of songs.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Kum kiyele, kum aroys (fragment),” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2043.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Kol dodi (fragment)

Title

Kol dodi (fragment)

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] Learned from his brother, who is 5 years older than Michael, in 1951 or 1952; his brother learned it in a play in a camp in France. Rubin is surprised that it was so old - she thought it was new.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Kol dodi (fragment),” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2044.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Il etait un petit navire

Title

Il etait un petit navire

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] He remembers some French songs... sings one, then more.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Il etait un petit navire,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2045.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Les....pour la rose (fragment)

Title

Les....pour la rose (fragment)

Date

1967

Description

[Handwritten note on typewritten tape log in box:] Piaf? [Note on typewritten tape log in box:] He says nobody knows this, doesn't remember all the words. Rubin says she might find the words for him. And he might be able to get a job in a nightclub since French songs are popular now... [Ed. note: The full title of the song is actually “Comme un petit coquelicot” and is from the repertoire of Les Compagnons de la Chanson.]

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Les....pour la rose (fragment),” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2046.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Il etait un roi de Thule

Title

Il etait un roi de Thule

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] French. Rubin says its a well-known, old French ballad.

[Ed. note: It is actually an excerpt of the opera “Faust” by Charles Gounod].

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Il etait un roi de Thule,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2047.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Makh tsu di eygelekh

Title

Makh tsu di eygelekh

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] With guitar. Lodzer ghetto: Text: Y. Spigel; Tune: David Beygelman. WWII song by Shaya Shpigl who’s now living in Israel. Accompanies self on guitar.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Makh tsu di eygelekh,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2048.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Zol zayn

Title

Zol zayn

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] World War II. Papernikov. With his guitar. Learned from his mother. Remembers imperfectly; sings it again, and remembers.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Zol zayn,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2049.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Kon zayn az ikh boy bay dem nilus di shleser

Title

Kon zayn az ikh boy bay dem nilus di shleser

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] With his guitar. Michael adapted the text from the previous given song here [Tape 68 Song 11] and wrote the tune himself -- to serve as a Passover song for children. He wrote another version (of Makh tsu di eygelekh) for color wars in Camp. He wrote the words and melody [it really is a different song]. Words in Yiddish. He forgets the end of the song and relates his frustration in English. She says in English that that happens to her - she’s written about 37 songs - but the tradition of writing songs continues.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Kon zayn az ikh boy bay dem nilus di shleser,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2050.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Mu-a sapru, mu-a sapru

Title

Mu-a sapru, mu-a sapru

Date

1967

Description

[Note on typewritten tape log in box:] With his guitar. Pesakh song, in Yiddish. After song, in English, Rubin asks him where he learned the song - in Camp Hemshekh. It only goes up to 7 - traditionally, per Rubin, there are 13 verses.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Mu-a sapru, mu-a sapru,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2051.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Dray yingelekh

Title

Dray yingelekh

Date

1967

Description

[Note from typewritten tape log in box:] In English. In English. Michael wrote this song himself. [per English introduction by Rubin, Michael’s brother wrote the song 25+ years before] The impact of World War II is evident here.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Dray yingelekh,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2052.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Moses

Title

Moses

Date

1967

Description

[Note from typewritten tape log in box:] In English. Michael wrote this song himself at age 15.]

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Moses,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2053.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Ale montik vasht mayn mame

Title

Ale montik vasht mayn mame

Date

1967

Description

[Preceded by interview about the Workmenn’s Circle shule where informant teaches.] [Note from typewritten tape log in box:] In English. Michael wrote this song himself. The impact of World War II is evident here.

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Ale montik vasht mayn mame,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2054.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Tsu dayn geburtstog

Title

Tsu dayn geburtstog

Date

1967

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Tsu dayn geburtstog,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2055.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Shloft-zhe mir shoyn Yankele mayn sheyner

Title

Shloft-zhe mir shoyn Yankele mayn sheyner

Date

1967

Rights

YIVO owns the compilation of content that is posted on this website, which consists of text, images, and/or audio, and video. However, YIVO does not necessarily own each component of the compilation. Some content is in the public domain and some content is protected by third party rights. It is the user's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in YIVO websites.

The materials on this web site may be used for personal, research and educational purposes only. Publication (including posting on the Internet and online exhibitions) or any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please visit https://www.yivo.org/Rights-Reproductions for more information about use of materials from this website.

YIVO has employed due diligence in seeking to identify copyright holders of the materials in this compilation. We invite any copyright owners who are not properly identified to contact us at yivomail@yivo.cjh.org.

Citation

“Shloft-zhe mir shoyn Yankele mayn sheyner,” YIVO Online Exhibitions, accessed March 18, 2024, https://exhibitions.yivo.org/items/show/2056.
Submit a transcription, translation or additional information on the song or the performer

Performers