Biography

Chris Vallillo is an accomplished six-string and bottleneck slide guitarist well known for incorporating original and traditional material to make the people and places of "unmetropolitan" America come to life. More than that, he is a performer with an affinity for American roots music and a gift for translating historic topics into modern day understanding without losing the bedrock and foundation from which they surface. Now, Illinois’ preeminent prairie poet and singer-songwriter has developed a unique recording in ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN SONG.

On the eve of the bicentennial celebration of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in February 2009, this newest venture weaves historic narratives with period music and contemporary folksongs in a celebration of the life and times of one of our nation’s favorite sons. The extensively researched, historically accurate recording showcases music Lincoln may well have known and sung while the cover features a rare photograph of the Lincoln stove pipe hat now in the collection of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Lincoln’s life spanned a period of great change, growth and struggle in our young nation, and the music of his era movingly characterizes these remarkable times. The collection of music in this project is designed to shed light on one of history’s most beloved figures, not only as a remarkable leader, but as a man, who knew and loved many of these very songs himself.

Eleven of the 13 songs come directly from Lincoln’s life and times while the two remaining songs are from contemporary writers.

The material on Abraham Lincoln in Song was recorded using Vallillo’s wonderful collection of vintage instruments. The album has been endorsed by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Committee and was designed to be educational as well as entertaining, with extensive liner notes including interesting anecdotes about the songs and composers.

From “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” to “Lincoln’s Funeral Train,” the listener will garner a better understanding not only of what drove the interests and passions of one of America’s greatest presidents, but of what contributes to the fascination and artistry of one of the country’s most respected folk artists.

“With Abraham Lincoln in Song, Chris Vallillo takes the audience on a musical journey, making history come alive!"
Phil Funkenbusch Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL


“Vivid, original story songs delivered with an eye for
detail and a sense of history."  - Dirty Linen

"The sound is both rich and pristine; top-notch all the way."
-- Blair Jackson, Mix Magazine