Lloyd Price
Stagger Lee
Original Version
Bandstand Version
Lloyd Price's version of "Stagger Lee" is one of the most famous adaptations of the traditional folk song about the infamous character Stagger Lee. Recorded in 1958, Price's rendition transformed the dark, gritty blues ballad into a lively, upbeat rhythm and blues hit that topped the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959.
Price's version of the song has a distinctly different feel from earlier versions, which were often slow, mournful, and focused on the darker aspects of the story. Price added a horn section, a driving beat, and a catchy rhythm that made the song danceable and appealing to mainstream audiences. The production features a mix of horns, piano, and strong backing vocals, giving it a celebratory vibe despite its grim subject matter.
The lyrics tell the familiar tale: Stagger Lee shoots Billy over an argument, typically said to be about a Stetson hat. However, Price's upbeat delivery and musical arrangement create a contrast with the violence in the story, turning the song into a party anthem. This catchy, energetic treatment of the material brought "Stagger Lee" into popular culture and made it a significant hit, helping to bridge the gap between blues, R&B, and early rock and roll.
Due to concerns about the violent content, Lloyd Price recorded two versions of the song. The version played on radio stations in some regions was a slightly altered, "clean" version where the confrontation is resolved peacefully rather than ending in violence. Despite this modification, the song’s infectious rhythm and Price’s dynamic vocal performance made it a massive success, cementing its place in music history as a classic of the early rock and R&B era.
Price's "Stagger Lee" remains one of the most well-known versions of the song, highlighting his talent for transforming a traditional folk story into an irresistible pop hit. It also reflected the way African American music was beginning to influence mainstream pop culture, paving the way for the rock and roll revolution of the 1960s.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
with John Fogarty