In 1927, the Georgia Crackers recorded a 'Diamond Joe' that appears to be of the same rootstock as 'Diamond Joe 3' in the DT. This is different from the cowboy song and, in respect of tune and lyric content, bring to mind, to me at least, Uncle Dave Macon's 'I'll Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy'. Meade et alia 'Country Music Sources' note that this 'Diamond Joe' was probably addressed not to a person but to a steamboat: 'Jo Reynolds ran the Diamond Jo Steamboat line from 1892 to 1910 and each boat had a large diamond with the name "JO" in the middle of it'.

The Crackers recording was first reissued on 'Hell Broke Loose in Georgia' County LP 514 and has since been reissued on CD: Various Artists 'Georgia Stringbands Vol I' Document DOCD-8021. It has lyrics similar to those of 'Diamond Joe 3' in DT. I can't see much connection with the cowboy song apart from the title.

--Stewie.