Red Wing

Red Wing

There was Frances Cook, daughter of half-Indian Trapper Cook of the Talladega Tribe of Chahta (Choctaw) Indians living in the Eutaw community of west Alabama. Trapper claimed ownership of all the land west of the Black Warrior river southward to its juncture with the Tombigbee. As the largest land-owner in the area he was regarded as the community leader.

As his favorite daughter, Frances received a high grade education from the white woman employed to be her tutor. Trapper’s other two daughters preferred the Indian lifestyle and did not care to learn the white man’s language or his ciphering methods. This difference in educational pursuits led to Francis’s marriage to a reputable young man, Llyuellen Clements living in Chickasaw area east of the river.

Francis remained devoted to her family, especially her young, favorite, sister, Red
Wing. She listened attentively as Red Wing told of her deep devotion to her Indian boy friend, Leaping Wolf, and shared her anticipation and grief when he went off to battle and did not return.

Leaping Wolf’s heroic death in battle brought Red Wing and Francis closer together, resulting in a collaboration that produced the sad but beautiful ballad known simply as ‘Red Wing”. Neither of the ladies would accept credit for the words or music, explaining that the “song was just there”, waiting for a voice to bring it life. It probably won’t make it to the Opera House, but it has brought simple pleasure to seven generations of sincere love story fans.

Most of you have never heard this song, but we hope you will enjoy it as Ben and Ruth Higgins sing Red Wing for you tonight. Please welcome Ben and Ruth Higgins.