Stagger Lee

Frank Hutchison's version of "Stackalee" is a notable early recording of the classic folk song about the infamous Stagger Lee (or Stack O'Lee). Hutchison, a white blues musician from West Virginia, recorded his version in 1927 for Okeh Records, making it one of the earliest known versions to be recorded by a non-African American artist. Hutchison's "Stackalee" exemplifies a blend of Appalachian folk and blues styles, which reflects his background as a coal miner and his exposure to both African American and Appalachian musical traditions.

Hutchison’s version retains much of the traditional story that appears in earlier versions of the song. The lyrics recount the infamous altercation between Stack O'Lee and Billy Lyons, which ends with Stack shooting Billy over a dispute—often said to be about a Stetson hat. However, Hutchison's delivery is unique, characterized by his powerful vocal style and impressive guitar work. He played slide guitar using a knife, a technique that gives his version a distinctive, raw sound that sets it apart from more polished recordings.

The music in Hutchison's "Stackalee" is played with a driving, rhythmic style that blends blues influences with a more upbeat, folk feel. The combination of his slide guitar technique and his clear, almost narrative singing style brings a dramatic flair to the song. While earlier versions of "Stackalee" often emphasized the dark, tragic aspects of the story, Hutchison's approach is more matter-of-fact, focusing on the storytelling in a straightforward way that reflects his folk roots.

Hutchison's recording played a key role in spreading the "Stackalee" story beyond its African American origins to a broader audience, including the Appalachian and white rural communities. His version helped popularize the song among listeners who might not have otherwise been familiar with African American blues music at the time. It also reflects the fluid boundaries between musical genres like blues, folk, and country during the early 20th century, when artists like Hutchison were experimenting with different styles and influences.

Frank Hutchison's "Stackalee" remains an important piece of the song's history, capturing a unique blend of traditions and serving as a bridge between different musical worlds. His version is a testament to the enduring appeal of the story of Stagger Lee—a character whose legend continues to resonate across generations and genres.

Hawlin Alley, one dark and drizzly night.
Billy Lyons and Stack A Lee had one terrible fight,
All about, that John B. Stetson hat.

Stack A Lee walked to the barroom and called a glass of beer.
He turned around to Billy Lyons, said "What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for a train, please bring my mama home."

"Stack A Lee, O Stack A Lee, please don't take my life.
I've got three little children and a weeping, loving wife."
You're a bad man, bad man Stack A Lee

"God bless your children, I'll take care of your wife.
You stole my John B. now I'm bound to take your life." 
All about, that John B. Stetson hat

Stack A Lee turned to Billy Lyons and he shot him right through the head.
Only taken one shot, to kill Billy Lyons dead.
All about, that John B. Stetson hat

Sent for the doctor, well the doctor he did come.
Just pointed out to Stack A Lee, said "Now what have you done?"
You're a bad man, bad man Stack A Lee

Six big horses and a rubber tired hack,
They taken him to the cemetery, they failed to bring him back.
All about, that John B. Stetson hat

Hawlin Alley, I thought I heard the bulldogs bark.
It musta been old Stack A Lee stumblin' in the dark.
He's a bad man, gonna land him right back in jail

High police walked on to Stack A Lee, he was lying fast asleep.
High police catched Stack A Lee, and he jumped forty feet.
He's a bad man, gonna land him right back in jail

Got old Stack A Lee, laid him right back in jail.
Couldn't get a man around to go Stack A Lee's bail.
All about, that John B. Stetson hat

Stack A Lee said to the jailer, "Jailer I can't sleep."
'Round my bedside Billy Lyons began to creep."
All about, that John B. Stetson hat