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Origins: In the Jailhouse Now
Related thread:
Lyr Req: Ramblin' Bob / In the Jailhouse Now (7)
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Subject: RE: Origins: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Joseph Scott Date: 09 Jul 18 - 05:48 AM A photo of Toots Davis and Ed Stafford is in the Washington _Times_, 5/19/18. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Joseph Scott Date: 17 Feb 17 - 11:59 PM Toots Davis was born in about 1891 in New York and died in 1928. Stafford also died in the '20s, before Davis. "Toots Davis and Ed Stafford virtually 'took the house' with a song 'In the Jail House Now.'" -- Pittsburgh _Post-Gazette_ 10/3/16 "Toots Davis and Ed. Stafford, singing their funny song 'In The Jail House Now'..." -- Topeka _State Journal_ 11/18/16 "Extra Added Attraction TOOTS DAVIS and EDDIE STAFFORD By Popular Request, Singing Their Big Song Hit, 'IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW'" -- Washington _Herald_ 5/22/18 |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST Date: 09 Jan 14 - 06:14 PM My mother was a Jimmie Rodgers fan and had all of his records. Some of the lyrics posted here are NOT in Jimmie Rodgers original version of In The Jailhouse Now, and according to her, there was only one recording, in 1930. Something is rotten in Sweden. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now - 1915 ver? From: Musician.Shane Date: 06 Jun 12 - 08:07 PM Hi everyone, my name is Craig and I joined on to research old folk music, this should be fun. One of the first things I am researching is the lyrics to the 1915 version by Davis and Stafford. I have found 2 clues: 1) The Wiki article referring to page 124 of the Jimmie Rodgers book 2) The article says the guy's name is "Campbell" I am going to get the book, research it and get back to everyone. I am hoping we can try and assemble at least maybe a rough approximation of the original 1915 lyrics (if we can, if it is possible) and I want to record a YouTube video of it. Public Domain!! Thanks, and I'll keep in touch, Craig from DC |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Joe Offer Date: 06 Jun 12 - 05:54 PM Wikipedia says the earliest copyright for the song is a 1915 version by two African-American theater performers named Davis and Stafford [source: The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers: A Legacy in Country Music, by Jocelyn R. Neal, 2009 - page 124] Anybody have any information on the Davis-Stafford version? This (click) is apparently the 1943 copyright renewal. It attributes the song to Ed Stafford and Toots Davis, registered under the title, "He's in the Jailhouse Now." -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST Date: 25 Jan 12 - 01:43 AM I liked the one on ' O Brother Where Art Thou ' also the one By Blind Blake written in the 2o's Im curious who Originally wrote it ? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SHE'S IN THE GRAVEYARD NOW (Earl McDonald From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Jul 10 - 02:45 PM One more, from YouTube: SHE'S IN THE GRAVEYARD NOW As sung by Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band, 1927. (Columbia 14255-D) 1. Now 'member the last election When our folks was in action— They tried to get a good man for president. I had a big brother named Walter(?), Very swell promoter. He was always lookin' for swell advice. So I told him to go right down to the poll, Vote with his whole heart an' soul. Place of voting once, he voted twice, And now he's down in jail, No one to go his bail. The judge said he should have give him life. (Where's Walter?) He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. We told that boy 'fore he left home, To let them politics alone. He's in the jailhouse now. 2. Now up in New York City, Folks thought it was a pity That the landlords had to raise that rent so high. We hustled round that town. In all our hustlin' round, We could not raise that rent no way we tried. My mother took in washin'. My sister done the ironing. I helped around the town by shining shoes; But my daddy walked around Like he owned New York Town, Spending all Mama's money buyin' moonshine booze. (Where's Papa?) He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. As fast as Ma could get that rent, Pa was stealing ev'ry cent. He's in the jailhouse now. 3. Now I went out last Friday. I met a big fat girl named Ida. She thought I was the swellest coon in town. She commenced to call me honey. Naturally, I begin to spend my money. We took in ever' cabaret that could be found. We was drinkin' ev'ry minute. I thought I was in it. I was buyin' Jamaica ginger by the pound; But when I went to pay that man, I found little Ida's hand Right in my pocket where my money was. (Where's Ida?) She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. I told that judge right to his face: Ida's hand was out of place. She's in the graveyard now. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE BLUES (Jim Jackson) From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Jul 10 - 02:10 PM Yet another version from YouTube: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE BLUES (As sung by Jim Jackson) I had a friend named Campbell. He used to steal and gamble. He made his living cheating all the while. He played a game called euchre, Pinochle and poker. He thought he was the smartest coon in town. Well, I just found out Monday That he got locked up Sunday. They got him in that jailhouse down in town. They got Campbell in the jail, No one to go his bail. The judge won't even accept him a fine. He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. I told Campbell once or twice: Stop playin' cards an' shootin' dice. (Yeah, they got him.) He's in the jailhouse now. I 'member 'way last Friday, I met a gal named Lidy. I though she was the purtiest girl in town. She called me honey, And I begin to spend my money. We went into a swell café an' set down. I thought that I was in it. I was spendin' ev'ry minute, Buyin' wine and whiskey by the quart, But when I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand In my pocket where my money was. She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. I told the judge right to his face: That lady's hand was out of its place. (Yeah, they got her!) She's in the graveyard now. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Blind Blake) From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Jul 10 - 01:43 PM I have listened to Blind Blake's version on YouTube, and there are a few words I hear differently than in Alanon's version posted above. HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (As sung by Blind Blake) Remember last election? Ev'rybody was in action Tryin' to find themselves a president. There was a man named Lawson, From New York down to Boston, Representin' the colored people we have sent. My brother was a voter, Also a great promoter, Goin' round givin' advice. They* go down to the poll an' vote. [He seems to skip a line here. It should rhyme with "vote."] 'Stead of voting once we* voted twice. He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. We got him downtown in jail, No one to go his bail. He's in the jailhouse now. I went downtown that Friday. I met a gal named Lidy. [Diminutive of "Lida"] I thought she was the swellest gal in town. She start to call me honey. I start to spendin' money. We went into a café and set down. I thought that I was in it, Buyin' a drink a minute, Buyin' wine, shampeen [=champagne] by the doz'. [Short for "dozen"] When I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand In my pocket where my money was. They got her! She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. When I went to pay that man, I found that old gal' hand. She's in the jailhouse now. She's in the jailhouse now. She's in the jailhouse now. When I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand. She's in the jailhouse now. [* "He" would make more sense, but "they" and "we" are what I think I hear. [It seems odd that he switches from "graveyard" to "jailhouse" in the second chorus, which makes no sense. (How could she be both in the graveyard and in the jailhouse?) My theory is that he was accustomed to singing an additional verse where someone ended in the graveyard, but he had to omit that verse to fit the song on a 78 rpm record, and got confused while trying to sing his shortened version. I wonder how many songs have been altered in this way, and how many verses have been lost?] |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: In the Jailhouse Now (P Anderson) From: Mr Happy Date: 14 Jul 10 - 10:17 AM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5TmxohM0gU |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Jun 10 - 11:53 PM Thanks to GutBucketeer for making the sheet music available. Here's my transcription. Now we need someone to make an ABC file. Also, the sheet music has chords for ukulele, but I didn't bother inserting them here, because I doubt anyone would want to play them as written. You'd probably want to weed out the excessive chord changes, and maybe transpose to a different key. I'll leave that task to someone more musically literate than I. HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW Words by Wm. J. McKenna. Arranged by Merle T. Kendrick. New York: Denton & Haskins, 1930. 1. When six-foot Henry Wicker Filled up on corn licker, He was the toughest colored boy in town, He said, "I'll clean the place up, Smash ev'rybody's face up," And man, he did some colored folks up brown. He lick'd 'em, brown and yellow, Beat up all the fellows, Had 'em running crazy, ev'ry man. Yes, Henry went along all right Until he tried to fight Three hundred pounds of gal, big Betsy Ann. CHORUS 1: He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. The moral: You can lick the men; Fight women, it's "Bang-bang! Amen!" He's in the jailhouse now. 2. A high brown gal, so fancy, Said her name was Nancy. She blew in town one Sunday afternoon, And she was sure a daisy. She set the boys all crazy. Just look at her, you saw a honeymoon. One night in my tin Lizzie, Boy, she had me dizzy. You should see the way she carried on. She hugged and squeezed me like a bear. I had to fight for air. When I got home, I found my watch was gone. CHORUS 2: She's in the jailhouse now. She's in the jailhouse now. The judge said, "Ten years, more or less," And now she's got a new address. She's in the jailhouse now. 3. Last year around election, Down here in our section, A friend of mine thought up a scheme so neat: "I'll sell votes in dozens. I'll be my own cousins, Get myself a home on every street." He voted through the city. Scheme was working pretty. Each vote brought a five-spot, new and nice. A great idea came through his brain: "Vote ev'ry ward a gain. The opposition's paying double price." CHORUS 3: He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. He tried to stuff the ballot box. Now he makes sand out of rocks. He's in the jailhouse now. 4. The gals liked Jimmy Ransom. He was big and handsome. He sure did give the women heart disease. He'd marry one on Sunday, And leave her flat on Monday, Beat her out of all her coin with ease. Jimmy married plenty. Must have swindled twenty. How those ladies fell for Jimmy's tricks! A widow woman was his fate. He found out when too late That widow knew her stuff—she'd buried six. CHORUS 4: He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. The widow got wise to his game. Now he'll never look the same. He's in the jailhouse now. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: In the Jailhouse Now (P Anderson) From: GutBucketeer Date: 24 Jun 10 - 09:51 AM A couple of months ago I made copies of the original sheet music that is archived at the Sam DeVincent Sheet Music Collection at the Smithsonians American History Museum. Words by W.m. j. McKenna. arranged by Merle T. Hendrick. fron 1930. They are posted in my www.box.net account here: http://www.box.net/shared/fo4yhh89n1 |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Blind Blake) From: GUEST,Alanon Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:37 AM Sorry to cut in, but Blake's rendition of the song is totally different, and given that he recorded it prior to most artists, gains in credibility: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW As recorded by Blind Blake, 1927. (Paramount 12565) Remember last election, Ev'rybody was in action, Tryin' to find themselves a president. There was a man named Lawson, From New York down to Boston, Representin' the colored people we have sent. My brother was a voter, Also a great promoter, Goin' 'round givin' advice. He'd go round to the poll and vote, 'Stead of voting once he voted twice. He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. We got him downtown in jail, No one to go his bail. He's in the jailhouse now. I went downtown last Friday, I met a gal named Lidy, I thought she was the swellest gal in town. She start to call me honey. I thought to spendin' money. We went into a café and set down. I thought that I was in it, Buyin' a drink a minute, Buyin' wine, champeen by the doz. [=dozen?] When I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand In my pocket where my money was. (They got 'er.) She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. When I went to pay that man, I found that old gal hand. She's in the jailhouse now. She's in the jailhouse now. She's in the jailhouse now. When I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand. She's in the jailhouse now. This is from his 1927 Paramounts Records take, with Gus Cannon on banjo... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: NCHillbillyFan Date: 02 Jul 09 - 02:46 PM That's what makes this new book so interesting -- it goes back more than a full decade earlier than any of those other versions, and has the printed lyrics in it. It traces the lyrics not only from 1915 up to the Earl McDonald 1927 version but also through a bunch of other variants as well. Definitely worth checking out. The book's appendix has a bunch of other covers not on the Online 78 RPM Discography project, as well. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Jim Dixon Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:04 PM The Online 78rpm Discography Project lists these recordings (in approximate order by date): HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Blind George Martin (a.k.a. Blind Blake), 11/??/27 HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Jim Jackson, 01/22/28 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Jimmie Rodgers, 02/15/28 I'M IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Frankie Wallace, 06/18/28 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Frankie Wallace & His Guitar, 06/18/28 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Frankie Marvin, 06/??/28 I'M IN JAILHOUSE NOW, Boyd Senter's Senterpedes, 02/06/29 I'M IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Arkansas Woodchopper, 10/17/29 I'M IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, West Virginia Rail-splitters, 10/17/29 HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Bill Bruner, 03/19/30 HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW NO.2, Jimmie Rodgers, 7/12/30 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW #2, Gene Autry, 11/06/30. HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW #2, Gene Autry, 11/19/30 HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW NO.2, Gene Autry, 11/20/30 HE'S IN JAILHOUSE NOW, Memphis Jug Band, 11/21/30 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Billy Mitchell, 04/04/36 IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Tommy Duncan, no date (circa 1949-50?) IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, Webb Pierce, 12/??/54. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW From: Jim Dixon Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:58 PM Here's a version performed by Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band, 1927. This is my transcription from the sound file at The Internet Archive: HE'S IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (version by Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band, 1927) 1. Now 'member last election When our folks was in action They tried to get a good man for president. I had a big brother named Otis(?), Very swell promoter. He was always lookin' for swell advice, So I told him to go right down to the polls, Vote for him with heart and soul. Place of voting once, he voted twice. And now he's down in jail, No one to go his bail. The judge said he should have give him life. (Where's that boy?) He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. We told that boy 'fore he left home To let them politics alone. He's in the jailhouse now. 2. Now up in New York City, Folks thought it was a pity That the landlords had to raise that rent so high. We hustled round that town. In all our hustlin' round, We could not raise that rent no way we tried. My mother took in washin'. My sister done the ironing. I helped around the town by shining shoes. But my daddy walked around Like he owned New York town, Spending all mama's money buyin' moonshine booze. He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. As fast as Ma could get that rent, Pa was stealing ev'ry cent. He's in the jailhouse now. 3. Now I went out last Friday. I met a big fat girl named Ida. She thought I was the swellest coon in town. She commenced to call me honey. Naturally, I begin to spend my money. We took in ever' cabaret that could be found. We were drinkin ev'ry minute. I thought I was in it. I was buyin' Jamaica ginger by the pound. But when I went to pay that man, I found little Ida's hand Right in my pocket where my money was. (Where's Idy?) She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. I told that judge right to his face Ida's hand was out of place. She's in the graveyard now. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: NCHillbillyFan Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:48 AM There have been a couple of interesting threads about the song "In the Jailhouse Now" and its various early recorded versions/lyrics and earliest copyright dates over the past few years. I just read a new book that I though Mudcat folks might find really interesting with regard to that song -- the book has a 1915 copyrighted version of the song (with lyrics) and traces the song through a whole bunch of earlier versions -- provides lots more information and lyrics than even Paul Oliver's _Songwters and Saints_ book. Check out _The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers_ (by Neal -- Indiana University Press, 2009). It's only about $15 on Amazon.com or BN.com. Lyrics from the 1915 version include: "I got a brother he is a voter Also a great promoter And always looking for some good advice Bill told him at the polls To vote with all his heart and soul But instead of voting once he voted twice" |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Moss Bliss Date: 19 May 09 - 06:04 AM R. Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders have a decent version that seems to be a compilation of these, or from different sources... they start with Campbell, and the voting bit goes, "I told Billy on the phone, to leave them white people's business alone"... and then goes to Idy, with the singer killing her for being in his pants "where my money was"... then goes into "She's in the graveyard now," and the last line is "and I'm in the jailhouse now". Don't know if I have this recording, but R. Crumb got pretty pseudopopular in the 70s (also a good underground comics artist). |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Hootenanny Date: 10 Sep 08 - 12:48 PM That's Pink Anderson from South Carolina who was one of the last of the medicine show players. He made two or three albums the label escapes my mind at present I'm not in front of my shelves, plus half an album on Riverside which he shared with Gary Davis. I particularly like the verse that includes the bit "instead of voting once he voted twice" etc. Nice version. His pre-WW2 recordings were even better I think. Hoot |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,bob jennings Date: 10 Sep 08 - 12:02 PM I've heard a brilliant set of words + guitar picking by a long-ago singer called Pinky Anderson. I'd like to know more about him. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,boisesmith Date: 24 Jun 08 - 06:32 PM I own an original copy of the songbook "Jimmie Rodgers (America's Blue Yodeler) Album of Songs No. 2". The songbook contains music and lyrics for 20 of his songs. It has a 1931 copyright by Southern Music Pub. Co.. The first song listed on the contents page is "Jailhouse No. 2 (In the Jailhouse Now)". The listing also shows this as Victor Record - 22523. The sheet music, on pages 4 and 5, shows the title as "In the Jailhouse Now - No. 2", "Words and Music by JIMMIE RODGERS". On the bottom of the page 4 is "Copyright 1930 by Southern Music Pub. Co., Inc." The lyrics are the 3 chorus "Campbell" version. |
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Subject: RE: i concur -- the song probably goes way back From: GUEST,just another mutterer Date: 19 May 08 - 05:49 PM Jim Jackson does seem to have the oldest recording of In The Jailhouse Now -- his variant has Campbell and Lotte (J.R. Cash has Campbell also) -- if i recall correctly -- all Rodgers did was to change the names and the games (from pinocle and euchre to dice and poker) a bit -- the other variant is the political version (She's In The Graveyard Now) performed by Clifford Hayes, Earl McDonald et al. -- and the location is New York City and the dodge is paying for votes and voting twice, etc. -- that's the version the Memphis Jug Band performed as In The Jailhouse Now (but never seems to have been covered since) -- my childhood memories of the song (circa 1950) is the Webb Pierce "Ramblin' Bob" version, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XILPUjF232M -- i also like the version Leon Russell did on his salute to his roots album "Hank Wilson's Back" |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Mr Happy Date: 09 Mar 08 - 06:41 AM Amos, Nice one!! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Amos Date: 08 Mar 08 - 03:30 PM And here's a parody I wrote for the Alternative Health industry, from The Mudcat Songbook A |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Soggy Bottom Boys) From: Mr Happy Date: 08 Mar 08 - 12:18 PM Here's the Soggy Bottom Boys version from YT here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=f2dqgUkJOvs He's in the jailhouse now. Jimmie Rodgers. I had a friend named Ramblin Bob He used to steal gamble and rob He thought he was the smartest guy around Well I found out last Monday that Bob got locked up Sunday They've got him in the jailhouse way downtown He's in the jailhouse now He's in the jailhouse now Well, I told him once or twice to stop playin cards and a-shootin dice He's in the jailhouse now [Yodelling] Bob liked to play his poker Pinochle, whist and euchre [yoker] But shootin' dice it was his favourite game But he got throwed in jail, with nobody to go his bail The judge done said that he refused the fine He's in the jailhouse now He's in the jailhouse now Well, I told him once or twice, to stop playing cards and shootin dice He's in the jailhouse now [Yodelling] Well I went out last Tuesday I met a girl named Suzie I said I was the swellest guy around Well we got to spendin' my money, and she started to callin' me honey We took in every cabaret in town We're in the jailhouse now We're in the jailhouse now Well I told that judge right to his face, I don't like to see this place We're in the jailhouse now [Yodelling] |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:47 AM "Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Guy Clark)^^ From: GUEST Date: 04 May 01 - 12:08 PM Guy Clark has some different lyrics in a version he recorded circa 1980: ------------------ This is pretty much the version that Johnny Cash did in 1974 (as to be found on the "Ring of Fire" album). |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Mr Happy Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:06 AM Also Jimmy Rogers:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=iuveSpFCOg0 |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: Mr Happy Date: 17 Jul 07 - 09:03 AM Now I know where the yodelling in 'O Brother is from: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=O5TmxohM0gU |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Barry M Date: 11 Nov 06 - 11:46 AM Theres no mystery about finding different versions of this one. The best understanding among blues historians is that the song goes back to about he 1860s and was a vaudeville standard. The whole POINT was to come u with new stories and verses, so many float around. And there are varations, as in Clifford Hayes' "Shes in the Graveyard Now", recorded with Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band in 1927--doubly interesting since Hayes later recorded with jimmie Rodgers, though not on the "Jailhouse: song. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Richie Date: 31 Oct 06 - 07:49 PM There's a version here: http://www.guitaretab.com/c/cooney-michael/3945.html Not Blind Blake's tho. His version is the earliest recorded version I believe although several jug bands played it before he recorded it. Not sure if anyone has found the author, altho the song is identified with Jimmy Rodgers. Richie |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST Date: 31 Oct 06 - 07:45 PM |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Phil aka Delta Dan Date: 31 Oct 06 - 05:13 PM Anyone got tab for Blind Blake's version. I thought his was the original |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Moleskin Joe Date: 30 May 02 - 11:10 AM When Hamish Imlach used to sing Campbell he always sang the last verse "She's in the graveyard now!" which always caught out chorus singers who hadn't heard it before. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Stewie Date: 29 May 02 - 10:23 PM Dicho, my apologies, I misinterpreted your earlier post. I thought you were suggesting that the Whistler version was related to the Bessie Smith song. It seems clear that Whistler's was the first recording of a song that has strong similarities with what Rodgers later recorded. --Stewie.
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 29 May 02 - 09:56 PM "In the graveyard now" and the meter definitely relate Whistler's "Jail House Blues" to "In the Jailhouse Now" and not to the Bessie Smith "Jail House Blues." |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Stewie Date: 29 May 02 - 08:18 PM Dicho, I don't have the Gennett recording, but it is a related song. Oliver quotes the following from Whistler's - Buford Threlkeld's - 'Jail House Blues' [p91 'Songsters and Saints']. It may be the complete text:
I went out last Friday He noted also that the version by Earl McDonald's Original Louisville Jug Band 3 years later had only slight changes in words. --Stewie.
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Rick Fielding Date: 29 May 02 - 04:27 PM Thanks again folks. I've never seen the "Whistler" one on any compilation, but did see a two minute newsreel clip of he and his band made in 1930. Rick |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 29 May 02 - 03:57 PM I doubt that Whistler's was the first. It looks like he used Jailhouse Blues, not the same song at all. Has anyone access to the Gennett recording? |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Fortunato Date: 29 May 02 - 11:32 AM Dick's Program description and time |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Fortunato Date: 29 May 02 - 11:28 AM Dick Spottswood is a music scholar here in DC with a wonderful radio show that focuses on just this kind of music. Dick, through his show, has contributed much to what I know about ethnic music between the wars, where I am primarily focused as well.(Though I mostly leave the blues of that period to blues musicians and focus on the Old Time Country)Here's a description of him and his show. Catch it if you can! The Dick Spottswood Show
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Fortunato Date: 29 May 02 - 11:12 AM Rick,
Dick Spotswood feels that Rodgers is probably the first copyright 1928, but recordings include (as mentioned above) Blind Blake (Yazoo 2058) and Memphis Jug Band (Yazoo 2059).
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Rick Fielding Date: 29 May 02 - 09:42 AM Thanks a ton folks. I'll pass this on to Mose today. Didn't know about Whistler's version. That might be the first recording. Cheers Rick |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Stewie Date: 29 May 02 - 01:17 AM Dicho, sorry but can't help with copyright. Jim Jackson's 'He's in the jailhouse now' of 10 October 1927 was unissued, but his recording under the same title on 22 January 1928 was issued as Vocalion Vo 1146. The 25 September 1924 recording by Whistler was under the title 'Jail House Blues' and issued as Gennett 5614. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 11:45 PM Yes, Stewie, a lot of information but no answers for Rick Fielding's friend as to "EARLIEST" copyright. Were either of the unissued Jackson takes copyrighted? Or the Whistler version? And were either of these "Jailhouse Blues" and not "He's In the Jailhouse Now."? Whistler's seems to be of that song if I read the posts a-right. If you have the books, perhaps you can check them for possible data on copyright. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Stewie Date: 28 May 02 - 09:47 PM Dicho, that reference is given in the Campbell thread - 21 November 1930. However, Oliver notes that the name on the record was the Memphis Sheiks who were essentially the Memphis Jug Band with Charlie Nicholson taking vocals. It was the only recording done under that name. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 08:11 PM Memphis Jug Band recorded "In the Jailhouse Now" in 1930, according to Yazoo Records. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 07:58 PM My error- Jailhouse Blues, Bessie Smith, first copyrighted in 1923, not 1931. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Stewie Date: 28 May 02 - 07:54 PM Paul Oliver's discussion still remains the most comprehensive re earlier recordings. References to recordings by Jim Jackson, Blind Blake, Whistler etc are in the Campbell thread. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 07:53 PM As noted in the other thread, "Jailhouse Blues" is a completely different song. Trying to find data on Blind Blake recording on Paramount Records (old defunct label, not the ABC-Paramount label), contained on Document Records Blind Blake, vol. 2, "He's In The JailHouse Now." Nothing beyond the date 1927-1928 on the album. Nothing in the Mills collection on this recording (but Paramounts records were destroyed in part in a fire). As a result, so far can't find date or copyright on Blind Blake's recording- could be taken from Jimmie Rodgers (1928), or- was Blind Blake first by a year or less??? It is also possible that there is an error in Document's attribution, but the clip sounds all right. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Mark Ross Date: 28 May 02 - 07:52 PM The Roy Bookbinder IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW is the Pink Anderson version. Rogers version of the song isn't as complex musically or lyrically. Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 07:43 PM "Jailhouse Blues" copyrighted 1931 by Bessie Smith, renewed 1974 by Frank Music Corporation. Not the same as "(He's) In the Jailhouse Now." See Jailhouse Blues for lyrics. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Jeri Date: 28 May 02 - 06:55 PM From The Folk Music Index: (The index is by no means all-inclusive. If Jailhouse Blues is where the Rodgers song came from, there's GOT to be an earlier recording.) Jailhouse Blues Hopkins, Lightning (Sam). Blues in my Bottle, Prestige Bluesville OBC-506, LP (196?), cut# 7 Watson, Doc and Merle. Pickin' the Blues, Flying Fish FF-352, LP (1985), cut# 6 (Jail House Blues) Wilkins, Robert. Original Rolling Stone, Herwin 215, LP (1980), cut#B.02 In the Jailhouse Now - Rodgers, Jimmie Bookbinder, Roy; and Fats Kaplan. Git-Fiddle Shuffle, Blue Goose 2018, LP (1975), cut#B.02 (He's in the Jailhouse Now) Cooney, Michael. Singer of Old Songs, Front Hall FHR-007C, Cas (1976), cut# 10 (I'm in the Jailhouse Now) English, Logan. American Folk Ballads, Monitor MF 388, LP (196?), cut#B.03 (He's in the Jailhouse Now) Jackson, John. Deep in the Bottom, Rounder 2032, LP (1983), cut# 9 (He's in the Jailhouse Now) Reed, Bud. Way Out On The Mountain, Folkways FTS 31092, LP (1982), cut# 2 Rodgers, Jimmie. First Sessions, 1927-28, Rounder 1056, LP (1990), cut# 11 Rodgers, Jimmie. Short But Brilliant Life of Jimmie Rodgers, RCA (Victor) LPM-2634, LP (1963), cut# 4 |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Jeri Date: 28 May 02 - 06:36 PM There's a copyright on Jailhouse Blues (is this the same song?), writers listed are Bessie Smith and Clarence Williams. There's no date on the page. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Joe Offer Date: 28 May 02 - 05:35 PM Here's the entry on "IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW NO. 2" from Sing Your Heart Out, Country Boy. I'm confused. It seems to indicate that Jimmie Rodgers may have performed an earlier version which might have been traditional? "Regarding Jimmie's revival of those old songs of American ballad fame, such as 'Frankie And Johnny,' 'He's In The Jailhouse Now' and others, reviewers the country over marveled because of his ability to take those old standbys and make engaging novelties out of them. He made them 'come into their own' . . . 'Jailhouse' was for Jimmie such a surprise hit everywhere—even though it had been done for years—that Mr. Ralph Peer urged him to work out an original song along the same lines for a 'Jailhouse Blues Number 2.' Jimmie did—in about twenty minutes; in fact, while we were waiting for breakfast to be sent up in a hotel in Hollywood. He had it ready for recording the next morning, using the portable equipment Mr. Peer had brought to California for him." —Mrs. Carrie RodgersSo, what's the song that "had been done for years"? By the way, Stewie posted most of this same quote on the previous thread - but he apprently got it from a biography of Rodgers. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 03:41 PM Rodgers Songs all copyright Peer International Corporation 1928-1948. This was Ralph Peer of Victor. Now PeerMusic Limited. Now part of BMI? You should be able to get the data from them. They are involved in a number of infringement lawsuits that they have brought against unlicensed users of material copyrighted by them. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 28 May 02 - 03:16 PM The first recording? BVE41740-2, I'm In the Jailhouse Now, Jimmie Rodgers, April 26, 1928. Doesn't help with the copyright date, however. Rodgers discography |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Rick Fielding Date: 28 May 02 - 12:19 PM Thanks Chance. Rick |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Fortunato Date: 28 May 02 - 11:56 AM Rick I don't know anymore than you do, but I've emailed Dick Spotswood who does know this stuff. I'll let you know if he comes up with anything. regards, Chance |
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Subject: In the Jailhouse Now. Earliest copyright From: Rick Fielding Date: 28 May 02 - 11:42 AM Hoping for a bit of Mudcat help here for my friend Mose. He needs the EARLIEST copyright info on the song "He's in the Jailhouse Now". Almost all the info he's been able to get is from the Jimmie Rogers recording, but he's singing a version more common to that of the Memphis Jugband. I've tried looking for something about the song prior to the mid-twenties, but I'm a rank amateur when it comes to internet research....so....any help would be appreciated. Thanks Rick |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In The Jailhouse Now From: Mark Ross Date: 10 Mar 02 - 04:36 PM There's is also a more extenxive & related version by Pink Anderson. The song is obviously from the Afro-American Tradition. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In The Jailhouse Now From: masato sakurai Date: 10 Mar 02 - 11:23 AM Jimmie Rodgers' "In The Jailhouse Now" (full audio) is HERE (Old Time Music from 78s). The Jimmie Rodgers & Webb Pierce versions (full audio) are HERE. ~Masato
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In The Jailhouse Now From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 10 Mar 02 - 10:55 AM Sometimes! 8-) Thanks, Celtic Soul. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In The Jailhouse Now From: Celtic Soul Date: 10 Mar 02 - 10:43 AM Thanks one and all!! Wow! You guys are FAST!!! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Jimmie Rodgers) From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 10 Mar 02 - 10:39 AM IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW As recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, 1928. (Victor 21245, Bluebird 5223, Montgomery Ward 4721)
1. I had a friend named ramblin’ Bob
CHORUS 1. He’s in the jailhouse now.
2. He played a game called poker,
CHORUS 2. He’s in the jailhouse now.
3. I went out last Tuesday,
CHORUS 3. We’re in the jailhouse now. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: In The Jailhouse Now From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 10 Mar 02 - 10:35 AM Found this site |
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Subject: In The Jailhouse Now From: Celtic Soul Date: 10 Mar 02 - 10:27 AM Heya... I did a search under "I" and "J", and then I used the search word "Jailhouse" but did not find it here. Anyone know the lyrics for this song (made recently famous in the movie "Oh Brother, where art thou"? Thanks in advance!! |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Roger at Old Songs, Inc. Date: 04 May 01 - 01:46 PM Check out Michael Cooney's great rendition of "In the Jailhouse Now" on the new CD compilation from Front Hall. Singer of Old Songs/Still Cooney After All These Years http://www.andysfronthall.com/fhr.html |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Tedham Porterhouse Date: 04 May 01 - 01:22 PM There are a couple of references to Jimmie Rodgers' 1928 version of "In the Jailhouse Now." Rodgers was a great artist, but he goes to show you that copyrighting folk material is nothing new. Neither is white artists getting rich on songs they learned from African Americans. "In the Jailhouse Now" was already a well known song in before that. Blind Blake's 1927 recording was a juke box favorite before Rodgers' recorded it. And I think the version by the Memphis Jug Band may also have been recorded before Rodgers'.
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Guy Clark)^^ From: GUEST Date: 04 May 01 - 12:08 PM Guy Clark has some different lyrics in a version he recorded circa 1980:
I had a friend Bill Campbell, who used to rob steal and gamble Chorus 3rd line: Well Old Bill really flubbed his dub when he wore a tuxedo to the country club
Old Bill had a friend named Sadie, and she asked if I'd seen Bill lately Chorus 3rd line: While Old Bill's away, Sadies with the Sheriff everyday
Do you remeber the last election? The prohibitionists were in action
Chorus 3rd line: They caught 'em down by the railroad track, Stealin' a train just to haul it back |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: SeanM Date: 25 Apr 01 - 04:57 AM I'm used to this one from the ol' Memphis Jug Band. They do the version mentioned by RtS above...While my group does the song, I can't quite remember the lyrics as I'm playing jug for it...
Something in one of the verses about M |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Stewie Date: 25 Apr 01 - 12:25 AM Thread creep - Joe, have you got Suzy Bogguss 'Somewhere Between' on Liberty label? I believe it is still around. It also is a gem. It includes her marvellous performance of 'Night Rider's Lament'. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Joe Offer Date: 24 Apr 01 - 10:36 PM Chet Atkins and the amazingly gorgeous Suzy Bogguss did a great recording of this song on their 1994 Simpatico album. Every song on the album is a gem, almost as good as the Chet Atkins - Mark Knopfler album. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: in the jailhouse now From: ddw Date: 24 Apr 01 - 10:15 PM Oops. As soon as I fired that last post I remembered it was Blind Blake, not Broonzy. I've been listening to both a lot lately.... david |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: in the jailhouse now From: ddw Date: 24 Apr 01 - 10:04 PM I noticed on the blue clicky that this was called "In The Jailhouse Now No.2" Big Bill Broonzy did a version of it with completly different words. I'll try to post them in a couple of hours. david |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: in the jailhouse now From: toadfrog Date: 24 Apr 01 - 08:25 PM That must be a true folk song, because I remember it with a whole different set of words: I had a friend named ramblin' Bob. He used to steal and gamble and rob. He thought he was the smartest guy around. But I found out about Monday, They caught onto him Sunday, They got him in the jailhouse in the town. He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now! Well, they told him once or twice, Quit playing cards and shootin' dice. He's in the jailhouse now. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: jofield Date: 13 Feb 01 - 09:39 AM Doug, no one could argue that he didn't do a fine job. My personal experience was that on a giant screen, he seemed to be fantastic, but just listening to him on CD, it came off a little more ordinary. Obviously, he did not do his own yodeling -- someone like Dan Tyminski did. BTW, the only lip-synching that made me wince was John Turturro miming the yodeling -- it was like something out of "The Beverly Hillbillies". On the other hand, even for all that caricatured hopping around, the film did remind one that this was once popular entertainment and dance music, and that's good. James. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler Date: 13 Feb 01 - 04:42 AM There's another version which was featured in the musical One Mo' Time and sung then by Vernel Bagneris. I was privieged to see the London production and have the US cast LP. The original of that was one of the blues vaudevillians. I suspect ,possibly, Butterbeans and Suzie- Stewie probably has it at his fingertips, I'm not near my sources. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: DougR Date: 12 Feb 01 - 11:44 PM James, I thought that actor did more than a passable job with the song. I thought he was very good. I think it's a great soundtrack. DougR |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Robo Date: 12 Feb 01 - 11:01 PM That's one great song, the two of 'em. Rob-o |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: jofield Date: 12 Feb 01 - 08:58 PM Ah, enfin, Stewie. So...I had heard and learned No. 2, while most of the rest of the world -- including les frères Coen -- knows No. 1. Alrighty then. Thank you very much. James. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, No. 2 (Rodgers)^^ From: Stewie Date: 12 Feb 01 - 06:32 PM James, Jimmie Rodgers' first recording of 'In the Jailhouse Now' (1928) has 'Ramblin' Bob'. The lyrics on 'O Brother' follow it fairly closely. Gene has submitted the lyrics of the Rodgers first recording to Cowpie site: There is an error in the last line of the second verse - Rodgers sings 'The judge done said that he refused a fine', not 'that he will pay'. My transcription of Jimmie Rodgers' 'In the Jailhouse Now No 2' (1930) follows:
IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW, No. 2
1. I had a friend named Campbell.
CHORUS 1. He's in the jailhouse now.
2. Campbell broke jail one day,
CHORUS 2. He's in the jailhouse now.
3. I met his old gal Sadie.
CHORUS 3. She's in the jailhouse now. I hope this helps. --Stewie. Note:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSq8mnDH_1o |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: mousethief Date: 12 Feb 01 - 12:06 PM Have only ever heard the Pink Anderson version, which I love. It has a verse about a black man who gets mixed up in politics, trying to round up the "coloured" vote -- and votes twice, thereby getting sent to the jailhouse. I wonder if the "white" versions have this verse? Alex |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: jofield Date: 12 Feb 01 - 11:04 AM Merci, Stewie. I read that entire thread -- and I'm still in the dark. I'm trying to get the history of the apparent existence of two Jimmie Rodgers versions with completely different lyrics: "Ramblin' Bob" and "Cambell". As someone pointed out in THIS thread, Jimmie Rodgers recorded a "Jailhouse Now" No. 1 and a No. 2. Are these the two different versions we're talking about? Number 2 doesn't refer to the "Jailhouse Blues" does it?:
Nobody here can sing the jailhouse blues
I've only actually heard Jimmie singing the "Cambell" version -- and everybody else in the country field singing the "Ramblin' Bob" version.
Still waiting for clarification, I remain, James. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: Stewie Date: 12 Feb 01 - 09:03 AM You will find plenty of information on this song in a previous thread - 'Campbell by Pink Anderson'. As King Street Smith pointed out therein, the most comprehensive discussion of the song is in Paul Oliver's 'Songsters and Saints' (which I have since purchased - a great book!). Cheers, Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: GUEST,Gene Date: 12 Feb 01 - 01:56 AM Jimmie is credited for writing In The Jailhouse Now in 1928 and for writing In The Jailhouse Now No. 2 in 1930 They are two entirely different songs...
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Subject: RE: In the Jailhouse Now From: jofield Date: 12 Feb 01 - 12:08 AM Yup, this is essentially the "Ramblin' Bob" version that seems to be the most common, also recorded by Webb Pierce in the '50s. It is "Cambell" version and the relationship between the two that interests me. Someone will shed some light on the mystery... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: RAMBLING BOB/IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW^^ From: Cap't Bob Date: 11 Feb 01 - 11:50 PM My dad used to sing this song back in the 40's only he called it RAMBLING BOB. The first verse was the same as the one you have listed above. The second and third verses with a different course are as follows.
I went out last Tuesday
I'm in the jail house now,
I once played a game called poker, Cap't Bob |
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Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (J Rodgers)^^ From: jofield Date: 11 Feb 01 - 10:54 PM The Coen Brothers' "Oh Brother" has brought the old Jimmie Rodgers song back on to the airwaves. At his pleading, they let the actor (one of those three-name guys) do his own singing, which is perfectly competent. He sings a version which begins:
[D] I had a friend named Ramblin' Bob
Refrain:
[copied from the DT database]
Recently, I got a Jimmie Rodgers songbook, and it gives the same "Ramblin' Bob" version above, as does a Charlie Pride CD I have.
But I learned this tune way back around 1962 right off of an RCA Jimmie Rodgers reissue album, and it went like this:
I had a friend named Cambell,
He's in the jailhouse now (2x),
I learned two more verses, also completely different from the "Ramblin' Bob" version. I prefer the "Cambell" version, but what I really want to know is, What's the story? Did Jimmie Rodgers record it one way and publish another? Did he ever record the "Ramblin' Bob" version? Or did they clean it up for Webb Pierce in the '50s, and then change the sheet music to match? Any information out there? Thanks, James. Messages from multiple threads combined. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 28 Oct 00 - 01:44 PM I forgot to mention that "TIMES AIN'T LIKE THEY USED TO BE: EARLY RURAL & POPULAR AMERICAN MUSIC, 1928-1935" is available in VHS format from Elderly Instruments./ |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 28 Oct 00 - 12:32 PM Stewie, The sound quality of the Clifford Hayes CD is about what you would expect from the 1920's, maybe a little better than average. It includes Sara Martin & Her Jug Band, Whistler & His Jug Band, Old Southern Jug Band, Clifford's Louisville Jug Band, and the Dixieland Jug Blowers. All except Whistler's included Clifford Hayes and Earl McDonald. My favorite tracks are the four by Whistler. On one song, "Jerry O'Mine", he plays lead on a nose flute. I have the "Times ain't like they used to be" video. The sound quality is not great (understandably) but there is a sound track. Whistler plays gutar and sings "Folding Bed" accompanied by a banjo and three jug players. The video opens with Jimmie Rodgers singing three songs. The rest of the video includes a variety of mostly rural bands and soloist from the 20's and 30's. Worthwhile for anyone who likes old-time music. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST Date: 28 Oct 00 - 06:59 AM Hi Stewie - Ol' King Street sometimes makes mistakes ! The Whistler version was 1924 not '22, sorry. The liner notes you quote are much the same as in the book, but expanded. I see in my Red Lick Records mail order catalogue (they are in Porthmadog, Wales) that there is a DVD (YAZOO YAZDV512) "Times ain't like they used to be - early American rural & popular music" which has footage of Whistlers Jug Band. I know that a film was made of WJB in '30s but I am not clear as to whether it actually has a sound track. Red Lick are at www.redlickrecords.com However,their DVD's may be formatted for use in Europe only, but as YAZOO is a US label there must be a version compatible for the US. Or maybe I'am worrying about nothing here ! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: Stewie Date: 27 Oct 00 - 09:29 PM Thanks, KSS. I'll also hunt out the Oliver book. I have Oliver's 2 double LP sets on Matchbox 'Songsters and Saints: Vocal Traditions on Race Records Vols 1&2', but not the book. I didn't think to look at those. However, Vol 1 has the 1930 Memphis Jug Band recording (with MJB recording as Memphis Sheiks). Oliver's liner note does not give the info you have provided, but he mentions that it was the sort of song Pink Anderson and other black entertainers who worked the 'doctor shows' would have picked up. He notes 'He's in the Jailhouse Now' was very popular 'with its sly observations on carpetbagger politicians and friends in influential places'. He went on: 'Charlie Nickerson, sometime pianist with the Memphis Jug Band (for which Memphis Sheiks is a pseudonymn) sings it, bringing in familiar personalities. Jug bands often played for medicine shows and even for political events'. According to Godrich and Dixon, the 1927 Jim Jackson recording in Chicago that you mentioned was not issued. However, the recording he did, also in Chicago, a few months later in January 1928 was issued as Vo 1146, backed by 'Old Dog Blue', another song that he had recorded at his first session but also unissued. Incidentally, Oliver's 'Saints and Sinners Vol 1' includes yet another recording of 'Old Dog Blue', this time for Victor, recorded a couple of weeks later in Memphis on 2 February 1928. You give a 1922 date for Whistler's recording. G&D's earliest date for any recording sessions by Whistler (Buford Threlkeld) is 25 September 1924 - there is no separate listing under 'Threlkeld'. Earl, what is the sound like on the Document CD? I have a couple of Frog CDs with Clifford Hayes, but they don't include 'Jailhouse'. Cheers, Stewie.
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 27 Oct 00 - 04:31 PM A 1924 recording of Whistler and His Jug Band doing "Jail House Blues" is on the CD "Clifford Hayes & The Louisville Jug Bands, Vol 1 - 1924-1926" available right here at the Mudcat Record Shop. Whistler's version sounds more like a vaudeville song. He also votes with his heart and soul. I never knew Frank Stokes and Jimmie Rodgers were in the same medicine show. That must have been an incredible show. I'll definitely look for that Paul Oliver book. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,King Street Smith Date: 27 Oct 00 - 10:14 AM If you are interested in the provenance of this song you could look at the book "Songsters & Saints - vocal traditions in race records" by Paul Oliver published Cambridge University Press (UK)1984 Library of Congress catalogue card no 84-1699 There are 3 pages devoted to the song and the author suggests that Jimmie Rodgers may have learnt it from the Afro-American Memphis singer/guitarist Frank Stokes whilst both were working in the same Medicine Show. An Atlanta journalistand stage performer called Ernest Rodgers claims to have heard the song on the radio in 1922. Jim Jackson made a recording of it in 1927 and Whistler (Buford Threlkeld) recorded it 1922. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,King Street Smith Date: 27 Oct 00 - 10:06 AM If you are interested in the provenance of this song you could look at the book "Songsters & Saints - vocal traditions in race records" by Paul Oliver published Cambridge University Press (UK)1984 Library of Congress catalogue card no 84-1699 There are 3 pages devoted to the song and the author suggests that Jimmie Rodgers may have learnt it from the afro-american Memphis singer/guitarist Frank Stokes whilst |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: Stewie Date: 25 Oct 00 - 07:44 PM Here is a bit more information that may help to answer Earl's query. Rodgers' biographer, Nolan Porterfield ['Jimmie Rodgers' Uni of Illinois Press 1979] wrote that the 4 recordings made on the morning of 15 February 1928, the first being 'In the Jailhouse Now', were 'all written (or compiled) by Rodgers'. Porterfield also made the following note to chapter 7 (p 142):
According to Bill Randle, a version of 'Jailhouse' was being sung on the radio as early as 1922 by Ernest Rogers, former 'Atlanta Journal' reporter, stage star, and pop recording artist. See Randle 'History of Radio Broadcasting and Its Social and Economic Effect on the Entertainment Industry' (Ph.D dissertation, Western Reserve University 1966) p 420. Rodgers' wife, Carrie, was surprised by the success of 'Jailhouse'. She began chapter 34 of her book 'My Husband, Jimmie Rodgers' as follows:
But I found out last Monday Later in the same chapter, Mrs Rodgers wrote:
'Jailhouse' was for Jimmie such a surprise hit everywhere – even though it had been done for years – that Mr Peer urged him to work out an original along the same lines for a 'Jailhouse Blues Number 2'. Jimmie did – in about 20 minutes: in fact, while we were waiting for breakfast to be sent up in a hotel in Hollywood. He had it ready for recording the next morning, using portable equipment Mr Peer had brought to California for him. ['My Husband, Jimmie Rodgers' p 186] The recording chronology of the versions mentioned in this thread are:
Whistler and His Jug Band 'Jail House Blues' Ge 5614, 25 September 1924 Evidently, with the Rodgers recording, 'Jailhouse' became one of the earliest 'crossovers'. Porterfield notes that cover recordings were made by several commercial orchestras and jazz bands, including Boyd Senter and His Senterpedes on whose version are heard both Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. Pink Anderson made his recordings after 1943. I have not heard the Whistler or Blind Blake recordings. Does anyone have access to these? How do they compare with Rodgers later recording? Incidentally, the Memphis Jug Band have the election stanza as their opening one and sing:
Next day at the polls, he voted with heart and soul That does seem to be quite what Pink Anderson is singing though. --Stewie.
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: Stewie Date: 25 Oct 00 - 02:40 AM I have found a little more info on this - mainly some quotes from Rodgers' wife, Carrie. As my son is pushing me off the computer in order to play Diablo with a mate, I will post it in the morning. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 24 Oct 00 - 02:48 PM I checked with a folklorist friend is is knowledgeable about many forms of traditional music including blues and he confirms Earl's reference to Lawrence Cohn about Jimmie Rodger's version being later than that of Blind Blake. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 24 Oct 00 - 12:47 AM This is not exactly conclusive but in the book _Nothing But The Blues_ Lawrence Cohn refers to Jimmie Rodgers' "In the Jailhouse Now" as "similar to earlier songs by Blind Blake and radio singer Ernest Rogers." |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: Stewie Date: 23 Oct 00 - 07:30 PM Earl, as Arkie says, your question about origins is interesting, but I don't know the answer. In relation to the line in question, Roy Book Binder on 'Live Book ...' introduces the song with an amusing anecdote about Pink Anderson and sings 'Said, "Bill vote across the very top line"'. I think you and Mousethief will agree this is definitely not what Anderson was singing on the Riverside recording. Roy avoids the 'apeyard' puzzle by singing 'graveyard' again. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:56 PM Earl and all, thanks. I've been looking for those words for sometime now. You also raised an interesting question about the song's origin. I am sure you know that Rodgers wrote two versions of the song, In the Jailhouse Now numbers 1 & 2. I think the Campbell version was number two. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: mousethief Date: 23 Oct 00 - 11:41 AM I have the CD which is half Pink and half Gary Davis, and it definitely sounds like he's saying "choin gong" -- presumbably a weird pronunciation of "chain gang". The words are slightly different from what you show; but the CD is at home and I'm at work so I can't post 'em now.
Alex |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 23 Oct 00 - 11:29 AM Hi Stewie, I realized I have the Riverside version too so I listened to that. Still can't make out that line but it sounds like hes voting "for" something. I'm not sure about "apeyard" the Riverside recording does sound like "eight yard" Neither one makes sense to me. Jimmie Rodgers is usually given credit for writting this song but it was also recorded in the 20's by Blind Blake, The Memphis Jug Band and Whistler's Jug Band. Was Rodgers' version so popular that it was picked up by black songsters or did JR just rework an older song? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: Stewie Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:16 AM Hi Earl, thanks for the transcription. I couldn't make out that line you queried either - at first, it sounded to me a bit like 'old mayor so-and-so', but that's not it. The recording I have is from a 1956 Riverside recording and has some differences with the version you transcribed. For instance:
He's on the rock pile now Definitely sounds like 'chewing gum' or else he's saying 'chain gang' in a very strange accent. Are you sure about 'apeyard' in the last line? If so, do you know its derivation? Sounded like 'eight yard' to me, but that makes no sense. --Stewie.
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Pink Anderson)^^ From: RWilhelm Date: 22 Oct 00 - 08:55 PM OK, I guess it is different enough. Here's "In the Jailhouse Now" as sung by Pink Anderson from the CD Pink Anderson Vol 2. Medicine Show Man. I couldn't make out the line with the question marks, I think its somthing ending with "soul" IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW (Pink Anderson version) I had an old friend name Campbell. Campbell used to steal and gamble. He made his living cheating all the while. (Yes, sir.) Had a little game he called euchre, Blackjack, dice, and poker. He thought he was the smartest dude in town. But I just found out Monday Campbell got locked up Sunday. They got him in the jailhouse down in town. They got Campbell in the jail, No one to go his bail. That judge he won't accept no fine. (They got 'im.) He's in the jailhouse now. He's in the jailhouse now. I told Campbell once or twice Stop playing cards and shooting dice. He's up on Broad Street now. (He's hardheaded, pay nobody no mind but they got 'im.) I remember last election When the white folks was in action, Trying to get theyself a president. A colored man by the name of Bill Austin Walked from New York to Boston Just to find a colored sentiment. Now my brother Bill's a voter. Bill's a great promoter. He's always looking for some good advice. So they told Bill to go to the poll And vote for both ???? and soul(?). Instead of voting once, the fool voted twice. (That settled it.) He's on the rock pile now. He's on the rock pile now. I told Bill to stay at home And let other people's business alone. He's down in Woodruff now. (Hardheaded you know, wouldn't pay nobody no mind but they got to put him somewhere. He ain't like me.) I walked to the town last Friday. I met a girl they called Idy. I thought she was the prettiest girl in town. (Mmmmm!) She began to call me honey, And I began to spend all my money. We walked into a swell café and set down. Folks, I made sure I were in it. I was spending every minute Buying white whiskey, homebrew, and wine, everything by the quart, But when I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand In my pocket where my money was. (That settled it.) She's in the graveyard now. She's in the graveyard now. I told the judge to his face That woman's hand was out of its place. She's in the apeyard now. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 22 Oct 00 - 06:43 PM Would like to find these words too. While it is based on the Jimmie Rodgers songs the lyrics are definitely not the same. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: RWilhelm Date: 22 Oct 00 - 04:42 PM If it is the song I think it is, it is virually the same as Jimmie Rodgers' "He's in the Jailhouse Now." That should be easier to find. |
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Subject: Campbell by Pink Anderson From: GUEST,bd@ergo.clara.ner Date: 22 Oct 00 - 04:38 PM Desperate to get hold of the words and chords for this song. Anybody out there got them written down Bd |
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