The Rough Guide to Murder Ballads Vinyl LP 2024

1. B.F. Shelton - Pretty Polly
2. Jimmie Rodgers - Frankie and Johnny - Jimmie Rodgers
3. Furry Lewis - Billy Lyons and Stack O'Lee
4. Bessie Smith - Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair
5. Grayson & Whitter - Tom Dooley
6. Kelly Harrell - Charles Guiteau
7. Clarence Ashley - Old John Hardy
8. Mississippi John Hurt - Louis Collins
9. Will Bennett - Railroad Bill
10. Victoria Spivey - Murder In The First Degree
11. Dick Justice - Henry Lee
12. Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers - White House Blues

From tales of jealous lovers to gunslinging outlaws and assassins, American roots music has long embraced the concept of the murder ballad. These seminal recordings offer an intriguing insight into this macabre genre which continues to be reinvented by musicians to this day. 180g limited edition vinyl release, lovingly remastered using pioneering restoration techniques.

This Rough guide offers a unique insight into the American tradition of the murder ballad, includes seminal renditions of the legendary folk standards "Stack- O- Lee", "Frankie and Johnny" and "Tom Dooley". Featuring the legendary blues divas Bessie Smith and Victoria Spivey, plus pioneering country musicians Jimmie Rodgers, Charlie Poole and B.F. Shelton.