Parallel Anthology Track 57

Track 57: Clarence Ashley - The Coo Coo Bird  Columbia 15489-D; Recorded in Johnson City, Tennessee, 23.11.1929

Record label does not assign authorship, nor does www.78discography.com.

According to wikipedia, this is a version of a traditional English folk song.

The Roud Folksong Index classifies this song as a version of Roud 413. A Roud number search returns numerous versions which significantly pre-date Ashley's recording.

This composition can be treated as public domain.

Parallel anthology main index page

Alternative Versions
The Coo Coo by Mr and Mrs John Sams   recorded in 1959 (according to RFSI): Spotify   Liner notes for this album show that this is a field recording of a traditional folk song.

The Cuckoo She's a Fine Bird by Kelly Harrell   recorded in 1926 (according to RFSI): Spotify   victor.library.ucsb.edu makes no claim for writing or arrangement.

False Hearted Lover by Olivia Hauser   recorded in 1961: Max Hunter Collection   ''Note: Most of this song is different to "The Coo Coo Bird". Only the last two verses (from 1:44) contain the first verse of Ashley's version.''

The Cuckoo by Lillie Steele   recorded in 1958 (according to discogs): Spotify   The liner notes for this album treat this song as traditional.

The Cuckoo by Jean Ritchie   recorded in 1952 (according to discogs): 2 versions on Spotify: Version 1  Version 2   Album title is "Singing the Traditional Songs of her Kentucky Mountain Family", so this version can be treated as public domain.

The Cuckoo She's A Pretty Bird by Jean Ritchie   recorded in 1949: