The spiritual "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" was noted in the 1867 publication "Slave Songs of the United States". Tony Saletan adapted the song in the version known today. He also uncovered "Kumbaya". Tony taught "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" to Pete Seeger in the mid-fifties. This track is from Pete's album "Children's Concert at Town Hall".

The Highwaymen (details elsewhere) had a number one hit with "Michael" on both the pop and Easy Listening charts in 1961. Billboard ranked the release as the number three song of the year.