The 1960s saw a resurgence of interest in the blues, with many of the early bluesmen being 'rediscovered' by music collectors and fans, returning to the studio and performing on the festival circuit. Mississippi John Hurt was one such artist, and his gentle voice and warm delivery - not to mention his awesome fingerpicking skills - endeared him to audiences everywhere. This track from his 1928 OKeh session is a traditional song of love, betrayal and murder but takes on a certain tender quality in Hurt's complex yet delicate arrangement. The song has been covered by myriad folk and blues artists and even appeared in the 1960s pop charts (as 'Frankie & Johnny') in versions by Acker Bilk, Sam Cooke and Elvis Presley.

Links

http://www.folkways.si.edu/learn_discover/anthology/liner_notes/track_21.html
Further information about the 'Frankie' legend, and the many different recordings of the song.

http://www.thebluehighway.com/
Useful blues resource, with essays, radio, links, photos and blues chat.

http://www.rootsandrhythm.com/
International US-based mail order record catalogue, specializing in roots music.

http://www.jazznblues.co.uk/
UK-based jazz and blues record specialists.