Stagger Lee

The version of Stagolee recorded by Lucious Curtis and Willie Ford in 1940 is a fascinating slice of American folk music history, captured by folklorists John and Ruby Lomax during their field recording trips for the Library of Congress. Lomax was dedicated to preserving traditional songs and stories, and this recording is a testament to the oral tradition of African American music in the early 20th century.

Curtis and Ford present a stripped-down, raw version of Stagolee, performed in a duet style with a focus on rhythm and vocal interplay. The song adheres to the folk blues storytelling format. The performance features a call-and-response dynamic, with the singers trading verses and harmonizing at key moments. This vocal style enhances the communal and oral-tradition aspects of the song. The accompanying guitar work is simple yet rhythmic, serving as a steady backdrop for the storytelling.

Lomax’s field recordings were typically done in informal settings, such as homes or community spaces, and this spontaneity is evident in the recording. The unpolished, heartfelt delivery by Curtis and Ford captures the essence of how Stagolee lived on as part of a living tradition, passed down and adapted through generations.

This 1940 recording is one of many examples of how Stagolee evolved over time, reflecting the cultural and social contexts in which it was performed. It’s an invaluable artifact for understanding the roots of American folk and blues music, as well as the enduring appeal of the Stagger Lee legend.