I'm Blue as a Man Can Be

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

101	Pardon Denied Again	Robert Pete Williams	04:46
102	This Wild Old Life	Robert Pete Williams	04:21
103	Just Tippin' In	Robert Pete Williams	04:00
104	Louise	Robert Pete Williams	04:26
105	Church on Fire	Robert Pete Williams	02:58
106	Texas Blues	Robert Pete Williams	05:10
107	I'm Blue as a Man Can Be	Robert Pete Williams	05:23
108	Up and Down Blues	Robert Pete Williams	06:04
109	So Much Is Happenin' in This Wicked World	Robert Pete Williams	04:11
110	Come Here Baby	Robert Pete Williams	02:03
111	Levee Camp Blues	Robert Pete Williams	07:00
112	Two Wings	Robert Pete Williams	03:45
113	Angola Special	Robert Pete Williams	04:09
114	Motherless Children Have a Hard Time	Robert Pete Williams	05:23
115	Please Lord, Help Me on My Way	Robert Pete Williams	04:02