“Fables of Faubus” is a song composed by jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus. One of Mingus’ most explicitly political works,the song was written as a direct protest against Arkansas governor Orval E. Faubus, who in 1957 sent out the National Guard to prevent the integration of Little Rock Central High School by nine African American teenagers. The song was first recorded for Mingus’ 1959 album, Mingus Ah Um. Columbia refused to allow the lyrics to the song to be included, and so the song was recorded as an instrumental on the album. It was not until October 20, 1960 that the song was recorded with lyrics, for the album Charles Mingus presents Charles Mingus, which was released on the more independent Candid label. Due to contractual issues with Columbia, the song could not be released as “Fables of Faubus”, and so the Candid version was titled “Original Faubus Fables”.[source]
Charles Mingus – Original Faubus Fables (1960)
Original Faubus Fables is the second track on Charles Mingus presents Charles Mingus, recorded and released on Candid in 1960.
Eric Dolphy – Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Charles Mingus – Bass
Dannie Richmond – Drums
Ted Curson – Trumpet