This is a special edition of the Missouri Folklore Society Journal (ISSN: 0731-2946), covering volumes 27 and 28 (2005-2006), specially devoted to Missouri folk songs and ballads. The volume covers the work of a number of well-known folk song collectors and performers, with numerous photographs, lyrics, and melody notations. The volume editors are Lyn Wolz (University of Kansas) and Elizabeth Freize (University of Kansas).