“Before They Close the Minstrel Show“ was written by Bob Coltman (born November 17, 1937), an American singer of traditional songs, songwriter, guitarist and banjoist and author. He is the author of the detailed scholarly biography Paul Clayton and the Folksong Revival and Across the Chasm: How the Depression Changed Country Music. It was recorded by Bob Coltman and by Ed Trickett. I learned it from Ed Trickett's recording.