Niles statement gives some creedence to the claim that his was originally a white song that was adapted by blacks.

Since Niles was born in 1892 and didn't become a folk collector until he was in his 20s Careless Love clearly predates him. Too bad he doesn't supply any more info about when his father learned the song or the origin.

Handy probably got Niles confused with Howard Odum.

Richie