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