The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #46310   Message #4203805
Posted By: GUEST
12-Jun-24 - 07:51 AM
Thread Name: Origin: Saint James Infirmary Blues
Subject: RE: Origin: Saint James Infirmary Blues
St. James Infirmary Hospital is a a place in London built in the 16th Century by Henry VIII. The blues song St. James Infirmary Blues was collected by John Lomax in 1918. I have no traceback on James Baker's recording anyhow and don't think that you can find it at all. However in 1963 Frank Hamton was teaching at a school in New Jersey one of the songs he taught was St. James Infirmary Blues Bess Lomax was also in the classroom. 2 singers that were to be famous in the USA folk revival of that was in the 1960s were Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk. In 1964 Dave recorded the same tune that Alan and John Lomax used and made it one of his best remembered songs. I have heard folk say if it was not for Frank Hamilton learning schools then I don't think that tune would be sung as much now. From Joe.