American Songbook: C.J. Opperthauser covers “Goodnight Irene”

Our latest feature is something we’re calling “American Songbook.” We plan to feature covers of American traditional songs and original songs that come out of that line of descent. The first featured musician is C.J. Opperthauser covering the folk song “Goodnight Irene,” first made famous by Leadbelly and later covered by musicians as diverse as Johnny Cash, Little Richard, Jerry Garcia, and Tom Waits.

Hear C.J.’s version of “Goodnight Irene.”