LOS ANGELES -- A new CD created by record producers Skip Haynes and Dana Walden, with lyrics and music inspired by the exploits of the famed Confederate undersea diving boat CSS H.L. Hunley, which completed the first successful sinking of a warship by a submarine in history, is now available.

"Although we don't normally create this kind of music, we were asked by the Friends of the Hunley to compose four songs about the CSS H.L. Hunley and its crews in the style and composition of the music contemporary to the period," Haynes said. "We were also asked to create versions of popular songs of the times. We did intensive research on the music and lyrics of the period before recording the songs of 'The H.L. Hunley Era.' It was an incredibly interesting and compelling project to be involved with -- both musically and historically."

The H.L. Hunley sank in the Charleston harbor on Feb. 17, 1864, killing all eight of its crewmen. More than 136 years later, on Aug. 8, 2000, the wreckage was recovered not far from the warship it sank, the USS Housatonic.

"The H.L. Hunley Era" contains four original songs inspired directly by the CSS H.L. Hunley, its crew, its last commander, Lt. George Dixon and the engagement from which the Hunley never returned. It also contains four traditional ACW songs presented with traditional tempos, lyrics, keys the song were originally written in and arranged as they would have been at that time.

Among the songs included on "The H.L. Hunley Era" are: "The Introduction" -- go back in time to join the crew of the Hunley on their final sortie; "The Hunley Went A Raidin'" -- celebrating all three of the Hunley's crews; "One More Mile" -- the last command of Lt. Dixon and his crew; "Dixon's Gold" -- the haunting story of lost love and a gold coin; "It's A Great American Tragedy" -- a tribute to all soldiers and sailors; "Dixie's Land" -- written by Daniel D. Emmet; "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" -- written by Patrick S. Gilmore; "Eatin' Goober Peas" -- anonymous; and "The Yellow Rose Of Texas" -- anonymous.

"The H. L. Hunley Era" also contains nine soundscapes created specifically for the H.L. Hunley Exhibit. For more information or to purchase the CD, visit http://www.petcds.com/Hunley.htm or http://www.petcds.com and click on H.L. Hunley Era.

Special to The T&D

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