Stagger Lee


Patrick Whelan

Stagolee

Old City Session — 2002

Stagger Lee in the Bill Curtis Saloon
Stagger Lee in the Bill Curtis Saloon

Patrick Whelan recorded "Stagolee" on his 2002 album Old City Session. His rendition is an acoustic cover of the version made famous by Mississippi John Hurt. It stays true to the traditional blues style, with Whelan's fingerpicked guitar and laid-back vocals emphasizing the song's dark narrative. It's a respectful and understated take on a song with a long and complex history.