Katie Crippen Blind Man's Blues

I do not own the copyright to this recording. This video is for historical and educational purposes

Katie Crippen was born in Philadelphia, PN. on November 17, 1895. While in her teens she relocated to New York City and became a theater/vaudeville singer. In 1921 Harry Pace, the first African-American to own a record label, launched his label with recordings by Crippen, backed by Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra. Crippen only recorded six sides and then went back to performing on stage. She also worked at selling food concessions on the side. In the late 20's she partnered with Dewey Brown where they performed gigs as a music/comedy duo. In 1929 she entered the Skin & Cancer Hospital in NYC, succumbing to the disease on November 25 of that year.

For information regarding the Black Swan label please visit the website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Swan_Records

Composed by Clark & Green

Katie Crippen:Vocals

Henderson's Novelty Orchestra:

Fletcher Henderson:Piano

Edgar Campbell:Clarinet

Chink Johnson:Trombone

Cordy Williams:Violin

Possibly Buster Bailey:Clarinet & Sax

Possibly Garvin Bushell:Clarinet

Other musicians unknown

Recorded in New York City, N.Y. c. February-March 1921

Originally issued on and this recording taken from the 1921 single (Black Swan 2003) (78 RPM)
(Also issued on Claxtonola 40054, Famous 3048, Puritan 11054, Paramount 12126 & 20054) (78 RPM)
(The Famous issued had her billed "Ella White and her Alabama Seven". The Paramount issues omits any mention of "Henderson's Novelty Orchestra"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Katie
• Crippen
• Fletcher
• Henderson
• Prewar
• Blues
• Jazz
• Classic
• Female
• Vocals
• Vaudeville

[randomandrare]

@KawhackitaRag Hey Andrew, thanks as always! I have this on CD, but I thought it would be more fun to post it from the only Black Swan 78 that I own. Be sure and check out the Tudie Wells clip that I just posted from the CD.

All the best,

Mike

[KawhackitaRag]

Thanks for posting this important recording! Although I could be wrong, I believe this tune includes the first recorded instances of such familiar blues lyrics as

"ain't gonna marry, ain't gonna settle down"

and

"big fat mama with her meat shaking on the bone"

terrific!