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George and Julius
Performing a variety of original songs and favorites from the past century of folk music, George Mann and Julius Margolin combine social and labor history with songs and a dose of slapstick wherever they perform. From picket lines and union events to cafés and concert settings, George and Julius have been singing together since 1998. They have released three CDs, 1999’s “Young and Younger,” “Miles to Go Before We Sleep” (2000), and “Just A Few Bad Apples” (2003), and have produced the “Hail to the Thief!” CD compilations featuring folk artists singing against the Bush regime.
Audience members of all ages get a taste of labor history and the stories behind some of our best-loved songs, and the duo enjoys laughing at the bosses as well as each other onstage. Mann and Margolin are also songwriters, and their songs are strong commentaries on many contemporary issues, from gun violence (“Too Many Guns”), the aging process (“Don’t Let Age Get You Down”), and the plight of the working poor (“We Demand A Living Wage”) to the hardships facing workers (“Respect Construction Workers” and “Somebody Robbed the Pension Plan”).
Julius Margolin
A former merchant seaman, World War II veteran and film electrician, Julius is labor editor for his union newsletter (IATSE Local 52) and has been his union’s delegate to the New York City Labor Council since 1973. Born and raised in New York City, he was a member of the Congress of Industrial Organizations and organized for the CIO during the 1930s and 1940s. A member of the New York City Labor Chorus, Margolin has been retired since 1982, but that hasn’t kept him from staying active in social movements for peace and justice. He is a regular fixture on picket lines and at demonstrations whenever unions and organizations call. Finally winding down at 93, Julius lives in Manhattan and enjoys his reading, songwriting and adding to his extensive book and video collection.
George Mann
A union organizer and activist for the past 15 years, George grew up playing in rock and roll bands on Long Island and in New York City. He has previously recorded four albums of his songs and performs for many unions and organizations. In the fall of 1997, Julius recruited him for the New York City Labor Chorus, and as the two got to know each other better, the idea of working with Julius to bring labor and folk music to the public was born. He is a producer of labor music and released a new solo CD, “Into the Fire,” in 2008.
Hail to the Thief! Compilations
Featuring an awesome set of talent from across the nation, Hail compilations have provided the sound tracks for anti-Bush and his gang. Now Available: “Farewell to the Thief” compilation album!! click here