Clarence " Pinetop" Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

[larbeyr1]

Sorry but I don't think this photo is of Clarence Pine Top Smith. It's more likely Albert Ammonds. Smith was accidentally shot aged 29, so never reached the age that the photo suggests. 

[gabehampton]

This song was recorded in 1929. It was first recorded by Bessie Smith in 1923, but was written as a Vaudeville piece by Jimmy Cox, who was a comedian who has been called the Black Charlie Chaplin. . I don;'t know much about Jimmy Cox really other than what I have read about him online.

[CRASHDDZ]

what year is this from ?

[gabehampton]

As for your comment about them likely missing out on a lot of stuff.. It was a ONE CD deal, and it only included music from the 20's and 30's. They probably did miss out on a lot of other stuff, but it has 19 songs on it, and it's an interesting listen anyway.

The full title is The Roots of Rap : Classic Recordings from the 1920's and 1930's if you are interested in getting it or looking it up online to see what all is on the CD.

[gabehampton]

Who is your FIRST favorite musician named Clarence? Clarence White?

[CRASHDDZ]

@gabehampton I like that Clarence Ray Ash rapper guy... This guy is noce too. I could see Cee-Lo flipping this.... or Yelawolf.

[gabehampton]

I am almost sure that this is the oldest recorded version of it. It was on a compilation CD called The Roots of Rap, which touched on all of these old blues style songs that had a similar talking style as rap songs.

[busessuck1]

@gabehampton interesting, but i bet they missed out tonnes of great songs that can be qualified as early rap... unless it was like a massive compilation

appreciate the upload, my second favourite musician called clarence and the third best called "pinetop"

[metalclarinet]

wonderful version of this tune.