Sam Ku West
Stack O'Lee Blues
Wang Wang Blues / Stack O’Lee Blues — 1928
Sam Ku West recorded his version of Stack O'Lee Blues in 1928. His rendition, like many early Hawaiian steel guitar recordings, captures the intricate use of steel guitar techniques that were popular in Hawaiian and early American music at the time. West's take on the song shares similarities with Sol Ho'opi'i's interpretations, particularly in their use of unique steel guitar effects such as tremolo and slides.
Sam Ku West (1907 - 1930) was an American steel guitar player from Honolulu, Hawaii. He died in Neuilly sur Seine near Paris, France.
West first performed professionally as a member of Irene West's touring band, adding the "West" surname to his birth name, Sam Ku, Jr. After playing in Singapore in 1926, Prince George of England gave him the name "the Kreisler of the steel guitar". He also played concert harp live, though he never recorded with it.
West toured America on the vaudeville circuit and also performed abroad throughout East Asia and Europe. He recorded in 1927 and 1928 for several labels; 27 recordings are still extant.
West's version of the song is part of a broader movement where Hawaiian steel guitarists recorded their own renditions of blues and jazz standards, influencing the early development of American popular music.