Summary prepared by Fielding M. McGehee III. If you use this material, please credit The Jonestown Institute. Thank you.
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FBI Catalogue Music
FBI preliminary tape identification note: None
Date cues on tape: None
People named:
Steve Biko, South African liberation activist
Cuffy, Guyanese slave rebellion leader
Che Guevara, Latin American revolutionary
Victor Jara, Chilean singer
Martin Luther King, Jr., slain American civil rights leader
“Moms Mabley” [likely Bertha Cook] (sings)
Erin Eichler (sings)
Julius Evans (sings)
Shirley Hicks (sings)
Anita Kelley (sings)
Edrena Demetria [Dee Dee] Smith (sings)
Bible verses cited: None
Summary:
(This tape was transcribed by Adrian Whicker. The editors gratefully acknowledge his invaluable assistance.)
The people of Jonestown host some unnamed visitors from outside the community with an evening of music and comedy by the Jonestown Express – also referred to as the Variations – and its own Moms Mabley. Most of the musical selections are covers of popular soul and funk songs from the 1970s, although the lyrics of one has been adapted to reflect Jonestown’s political leanings. There are also at least three original compositions, including “Diarrhea,” a novelty song inspired by life in Jonestown.
FBI Summary:
Date of transcription: 6/26/79
In connection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation into the assassination of U.S. Congressman LEO J. RYAN at Port Kaituma, Guyana, South America, on November 18, 1978, a tape recording was obtained. This tape recording was located in Jonestown, Guyana, South America, and was turned over to U.S. Officials in Guyana and subsequently transported to the United States.
On June 5, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B100-26. This tape was found to contain the following:
Music.
Differences with FBI Summary:
The summary is accurate and meets the FBI’s purposes.
Tape originally posted December 2022.