Answer :
Final answer:
The Kingston Trio's song Tom Dooley is, contrary to the question's suggestion, based on a true story. It narrates the historical account of Tom Dula, a Confederate soldier who was hanged for the murder of Laura Foster in 1866. So the correct option is (b) False.
Explanation:
The question asks whether the lyrics of the Kingston Trio hit Tom Dooley are based on a true story. The correct answer is False. This is a common misconception about the song; however, Tom Dooley is based on a true event.
The song narrates the story of Tom Dula (often pronounced and spelled as Dooley), a Confederate soldier from North Carolina who was convicted of murdering Laura Foster in 1866. Despite its folk melody and the Kingston Trio's commercial success making it seem like a fictional tale, the narrative of Tom Dooley roots itself deeply in America's historical past, specifically relating to post-Civil War era conflicts and personal relationships gone awry.
Therefore, the belief that the lyrics are not based on a true story is incorrect, highlighting the song's significance not just in music history but also in understanding the socio-cultural aspects of that era.