Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'

Subject: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: The Beanster
Date: 01 Apr 00 - 12:56 PM

I used to have a Leadbelly 78 that had Outskirts of Town on the B side. Can't remember what was on the A side and that was the song I really liked. I want to find this dusty old gem again. Anybody know what the A side is?

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: The Beanster
Date: 01 Apr 00 - 09:38 PM

Anyone?

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: jofield
Date: 01 Apr 00 - 10:16 PM

Uh, no. But is "Outskirts of Town" the same tune that Ray Charles recorded for ABC-Paramount back in the '60s? Brother Ray's version had the lyrics:

---------------------
You won't need no iceman,
Gonna buy you a Figidaire,
When we move
Way out on the outskirts of town.
We won't need nobody
Always hangin' 'round.

Same tune?
James

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: The Beanster
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 12:12 AM

Gee, James, I'm not sure. Like I said, it wasn't Outskirts of Town that I used to play all the time--it was the other side. Maybe if I really think about it, I'll be able to remember some of the lyrics and see if it's the same song...but thanks just the same for your help.

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: Doctor John
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 09:28 AM

Beanster, this is a tricky one. James has given part of the words of "Outskirts of Town". Are you sure it was that? As far as I can tell Leadbelly only made one recording of that on April 25 1944 acc by Sonny Terry but as far as I know it wasn't released on a 78 but first on a Stinson 10" LP, Stin5. Matrix MA97. I may be wrong. Dr John

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: The Beanster
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 09:51 PM

Hmmmm. Doctor John, thank you so much for your input. First, I'm absolutely sure it was "Outskirts of Town," and I know it was a 78 because I remember putting the record on in the first place because it was such a novelty to me (not even knowing who Leadbelly was) and then falling in love with the music. But when you said the name of Stinson, that sort of rang a bell with me. Did Stinson release it on a 78?? The label was a maroon color with either silver or gold lettering...is that Stinson? I'm really confused now! lol I will try to find out more about this and will post if I find anything... Again, many thanks for your help.

Subject: RE: Leadbelly, 'Outskirts of Town'
From: Doctor John
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 02:07 PM

Beanster, I've certainly never come across this on a 78. The "other side" is likely to have been one L B recorded for Asch around that time and was released by Stinson. Very confusing stuff this! If you have a fax I can fax you the relevant pages of H L discography to see if anything strikes a cord as it's fairly complicated to put on the Mudcat. Otherwise I could e-mail you with a shortened version. Dr John