Stagger lee

[Clarke]

Oldie 1959 LLoyd Price number one hit. I think it was written way back in the early 1900’s. I remember playing it when it was NEW in my first Rock & Roll band while in High School. Did someone say OLD. LOL

[sunjamr]

Wow, that’s great – better than the original!

Maybe some people don’t know the story behind it:

The historical Stagger Lee was Lee Shelton, a black pimp living in St. Louis, Missouri in the late 19th century. He was nicknamed Stag Lee or Stack Lee, with a variety of explanations being given: he was given the nickname because he “went stag”, meaning he was without friends; he took the nickname from a well-known riverboat captain called Stack Lee; or, according to John and Alan Lomax, he took the name from a riverboat owned by the Lee family of Memphis called the Stack Lee, which was known for its on-board prostitution.[2] Shelton was well known locally as one of the Macks, a group of pimps who demanded attention through their flashy clothing and appearance.[3] In addition to these activities, he was the captain of a black Four Hundred Club, a social club with a dubious reputation.[4]

On Christmas night in 1895, Shelton and his acquaintance William “Billy” Lyons were drinking in the Bill Curtis Saloon. Lyons was also a member of St. Louis’ underworld, and may have been a political and business rival to Shelton. Eventually, the two men got into a dispute, during which Lyons took Shelton’s Stetson hat.[5] Subsequently, Shelton shot Lyons, recovered his hat, and left.[6] Lyons died of his injuries, and Shelton was charged, tried, and convicted of the murder in 1897.

Sunjamr Steve

[San Luis Rey]

I remember that song for it’s story telling lyrics and cool sax solo. Had no idea it was about a drunk pimp in the 1890’s. You been surfin lately Steve?

Mike

[WBlues]

Great production Clark. Pretty professional, I mean. Well done.

@Steve, interesting story I didn’t know; What a time. Thanks for the information.

Play guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.

Wilfried

[Lights]

Really cool band, I would listen it with great pleasure in my hometown pub too! Wouldn’t you start the world tour now? It’s time.
Lights.

[Lights]

Btw, thank you Steve for the story!

[Billy]

Great, great great production, everything was bang on the money with this.
I’m impressed with the follow up history to the song, very few songs nowadays tell a cohesive story..
Would you mind if I downloaded this and added it to my active melody play list on my phone?.

..Billy..

[Don D.]

That’s a great version! I like that a lot.

Don D.

[Clarke]

Like Mike, I had no idea about the history of this song, thanks for the info Steve. Billy that would be quite a complement, by all means please do. Meelis I would be happy to share the stage with you at the hometown pub. Don and Wilfried thank you very much.

[Billy]

Thank you.

..Billy..

[Sal]

Great rendition of a big hit “back in the day” !! Your band sounds great Clarke,and thanks to Steve for the story behind the song,which really brings it to life!………..Sal

[Dieter]

Wonderful performance – perfect.

Dieter

[sunjamr]

San Luis Rey wrote:

I remember that song for it’s story telling lyrics and cool sax solo. Had no idea it was about a drunk pimp in the 1890’s. You been surfin lately Steve?

Not much surfing this year. Northern NZ is having the worst drought ever recorded, so I’ve been spending much of my time this summer building a new water supply system for our farm property. But it’s up and running as of last week, so maybe I can finally find the time to catch a wave now.

Sunjamr Steve

[John B]

That was great Clark. Great band you have. Loved it..

[JohnStrat]

Another fin rendition well done all of you. Steve’s input of the history is interesting too what a world a life for a hat!

[sunburst]

Very nice,, you trio expressions band perfamances are terrific! you all can play out anywhere!

[Author]

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