This is my version of the song written by the "Queen of the Blues," Bessie Smith, in 1927. She recorded this song for the first time just before the Great Mississipi River Flood of that year (and the consequent deliberately induced flood in Louisiana), so it became very famous. I've always loved her voice and style.

I sang this at a recital recently organized by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society Jazz Piano Workshop. It was a lot of fun playing in public, and a great learning experience. The other musicians were all great (maybe I'll get to post their performances too :), so it was a privilege to perform there! (less info)