<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (August 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (August 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" is a song which was written by James A. Bland (1854--1911), an African American who wrote over 700 songs . It is not an adaption by Bland of the "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia" by the Christy Minstrels, also known by the title; "Floating Scow of Old Virginny", a song copyrighted by Edwin Pearce Christy in 1847 . Bland simply appropriated the song title . Bland's song bears no resemblance to it melodically, harmonically, or in the lyrics (except that both songs are minstrel songs). The latter song was very popular during the California gold rush and the American Civil War . Many parodies were written on this melody and became popular with miners, Civil War soldiers and civilians . Bland's version, the best known, was written in 1878 when many newly - freed slaves were struggling to find work . The song has become controversial in modern times, with critics viewing the lyrics as racially insensitive . </P> <P> A third reworded version was Virginia's state song from 1940 until 1997, using the word "Virginia" instead of "Virginny ." In 1997, it was retired as state song, largely due to controversy over the lyrics' racial content . On January 28, 1997, the Virginia Senate voted to designate "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia" as state song emeritus and a study committee initiated a contest for writing a new state song . </P>

Who wrote the song carry me back to old virginny