McGrath of Harlow asked: "Is there a real Louis Collins back of this song?"

My friend Philadelphia Jerry Ricks, who was very close to Mississippi John Hurt, told me that "Louis Collins" was Hurt's favorite song and the real Collins was a cousin to him.

"The Angels Laid Him Away" is an alternate title.

In my own record library, I have at least four different recordings of Mississippi John Hurt doing the song. I also have versions by: Bill Bourne; Jerry Garcia & David Grisman; Jerry Garcia, David Grisman & Tony Rice; Last Forever; Bill Morrissey; Philadelphia Jerry Ricks; and Lucinda Williams.

Mike Regenstreif