Stagger Lee

Buster Pickens recorded his version of "Stagolee" on August 9, 1960, in Houston, Texas, under the direction of Chris Strachwitz, founder of Arhoolie Records. Despite this session, the recording remained unissued and was never commercially released. Strachwitz, a notable figure in documenting and preserving American folk and blues music, often sought out underrepresented artists like Pickens, whose piano style was deeply rooted in Texas blues traditions.

Although the recording was never released, this session contributes to the legacy of Pickens as a significant, though often overlooked, figure in the Texas blues scene. His work, both recorded and unrecorded, continues to be appreciated by blues historians and enthusiasts.

"Edwin ‘Buster’ Pickens who tried all of his life to avoid playing in overheated barrelhouses and wore a thick coat to protect against the chilly air when jumping trains, was murdered by a cousin in a quarrel over some coins in a pool game in an unnamed brothel in Houston on 24th November, 1964, never getting his chance to become better known to a wider blues audience" -- -Hortig, Michael. “Stomp The Grinder Down: Texas Piano Blues Part One & Two.” Blues & Rhythm no. 250 & 251 (Jun-Aug 2010).