Revisiting the question whether the Burl Ives or Dinah Washington version came first:

I've found no earlier Dinah recording of the song than 1952, when it was included on her Mercury LP album "Blazing Ballads." Do any of you know of any earlier release by her?

Burl Ives had almost certainly recorded the song by 1951 and perhaps earlier—1950 or perhaps the late 40s.

Till I hear differently, I'll assume Dinah covered Burl's song, rather than the other way round.

There must be an answer to this pesky question! (Or do you think we're scraping bottom?)

Cheers,

Bob