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I'm Blue As A Man Can Be

Robert Pete Williams
I'm Blue As A Man Can Be
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Bluesman Robert Pete Williams’ life was the stuff of legend. Serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for murder, Williams was discovered by ethnomusicologist Dr. Harry Oster. Oster was at the prison recording the music sung by the inmates and was taken by Williams’ highly personal and improvisational yet complex musical style. Eventually pardoned, Williams was able to tour and performed at music events in the United States and Europe. This collection, compiled by Chris Strachwitz and Dr. Oster, features songs recorded at the penitentiary in 1959 and 1960, including “Pardon Denied Again.” When a Man Takes the Blues (ARH00395) is the companion recording to this album.

Track Listing

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101
Pardon Denied Again Robert Pete Williams 4:46
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102
This Wild Old Life Robert Pete Williams 4:21
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103
Just Tippin' In Robert Pete Williams 4:00
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104
Louise Robert Pete Williams 4:26
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105
Church on Fire Robert Pete Williams 2:58
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106
Texas Blues Robert Pete Williams 5:10
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107
I'm Blue as a Man Can Be Robert Pete Williams 5:23
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108
Up and Down Blues Robert Pete Williams 6:04
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109
So Much is Happenin' in This Wicked World Robert Pete Williams 4:11
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110
Come Here Baby Robert Pete Williams 2:03
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111
Levee Camp Blues Robert Pete Williams 7:00
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112
Two Wings Robert Pete Williams 3:45
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113
Angola Special Robert Pete Williams 4:09
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114
Motherless Children Have A Hard Time Robert Pete Williams 5:23
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115
Please Lord, Help Me on My Way Robert Pete Williams 4:02
Arhoolie Records

Album Info

Catalog Number

ARH00394

Year(s) Released

1994

Recording Date(s)

1959-1960, 1970

Recording Location(s)

Angola State Penitentiary, Louisiana; Berkeley, Ca.

Label/Collection

Arhoolie Records

Genre(s)

African American Music; Blues

Country(s)

United States

Instrument(s)

Guitar; Vocals

Credit(s)

Harry Oster - Recorder, Producer, Photographer (Cover)
 Chris Strachwitz - Recorder, Producer
 Henry Kaiser - Editor, Liner Notes
 Wayne Pope - Designer
Download Liner Notes