According to info I have: Art Gillham's Society Syncopaters published their first composition, Hesitation Blues. The same year, W.C. Handy published a similar song, Hesitating Blues. Both appear to have been based on a folk song. W.C. Handy acknowledged the two songs were independently composed.

In 1925, Gillham did an acoustic session for Columbia 140390-2 Hesitation Blues (electric microphone) (2 takes) recording his version. Does anyone have Gillham's version?

Are Handy's and Gillham's 1915 versions the earliest?

Has anyone posted the Rev. Gary Davis lyrics? I have them somewhere and can post them if anyone wants them.

-Richie