Studio 360

American Icons

John Henry

The story of John Henry has come to represent the heroic struggle of men and women against encroaching technology and the loss of jobs. But it wasn't always so.

Our series on American Icons continues with a folk music detective story. Studio 360's David Krasnow traced the ballad of John Henry back to its origins - a cautionary tale about working too hard. Produced by David Krasnow and Todd Cerveris.

Voices in the Story

Dr. Sherman A. James

Susan B. King Professor of Public Policy Studies at Duke University.

Visit Dr. James' web site

Dr. Scott Nelson

Associate Professor of History at the College of William and Mary

Jason Isbell

Guitarist and vocalist for the band Drive by Truckers

Colson Whitehead

Author of the novel John Henry Days.

Studio 360's American Icons is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life.

Studio 360 is a co-production of Public Radio International and WNYC New York Public Radio, and is funded in part by Ken and Lucy Lehman, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, and DK Eyewitness Travel. Studio 360's American Icons series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Our series on creativity and science is supported in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Our series on Underground Heroes is supported in part by the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.