Viola Lee Blues by GUS CANNON (1928) Banjo Blues Legend

[Andy]

Two versions of this song were recorded on September 20, 1928 in Memphis Tennesse. The personell were as follows.

Gus Cannon - Guitar/Jug
Elijah Avery - Banjo/Guitar
Noah Lewis - Harmonica/Vocal
Hosea Woods - Kazoo

The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it
The clerk he wrote it down, he did it
The Judge, he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
Ain't got you sinners, You must be Nashville Bound

Some got six months, some got it solid
Some got it solid, yeah, indeedy
Some got six months, some got it solid yeah
Me any my buddy, we got lifetime here

I wrote a letter, I mailed it in there
I mailed it in there, there indeedy
I wrote a letter, I mailed it in there
You know my dad, I have a friend somewhere

 

[Andy]

 

[Andy]

 

[BillST4s]

Andy: none of the subsequent versions that you posted top the original 1928 recording. There is a reason why no white guy can sing the blues like an African-American. As the saying goes, "You gotta pay the dues if you wanna sing the blues."

"Big Railroad Blues" by Gus Cannon.