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: Labeled in part “Practice … Jonestown … Band Oct 20, 1978”
Date cues on tape: None
People named: None
Bible verses cited: None
Summary:
This tape consists of about 22 minutes of both instrumental and vocal music, with one unfamiliar song seemingly entitled, “Be glad to have some freedom in your life,” along with the more well-known “Abraham, Martin and John,” a song written by Dion and often played by the Jonestown Express. With R&B themes, instrumentation based around a saxophone and electric piano, and a female vocalist, the tape label that identifies the tape as a practice session of the Jonestown band is likely accurate. The poor recording quality also contributes to that conclusion.
FBI Summary:
Date of transcription: 6/7/79
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 May 25, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B69-19. This tape was found to contain the following:
Music.
Differences with FBI Summary:
The summary is accurate and meets the FBI’s purposes.