HMR Project: History of Music & Modern Recording

Cryin' Sam Collins

Cryin' Sam Collins was a barrelhouse performer possibly born on 11 August 1897 in either Kentucky or Louisiana. Wikipedia has Collins performing in Louisiana barrelhouses with King Solomon Hill circa 1924. He made his first recordings circa April 23, 1927, for Gennett: 'The Jailhouse Blues' (matrix 12736), 'Devil in the Lions Den' (12737), 'Yellow Dog Blues' (12738), 'Loving Lady Blues' (12739) and 'Riverside Blues' (12740). Collins used a number of pseudonyms as well: Jim Foster, Jelly Roll Hunter, Big Boy Woods, Bunny Carter and Salty Dog Sam.

'The Jail House Blues' Sam Collins

First-known title to issue

C 23 April 1927 in in Richmond IN or Chicago IL Matrix 12736 A

Gennett 6167 Herwin 92043 as Jim Foster

Composition: Collins

'Yellow Dog Blues' Sam Collins

C 23 April 1927 in in Richmond IN or Chicago IL Matrix 12738 Gennett 6146

Composition: Collins

'Loving Lady Blues' Sam Collins

C 23 April 1927 in in Richmond IN or Chicago IL Matrix 12739 Gennett 6146

Composition: Collins

'Midnight Special Blues' Sam Collins

C 17 Sep 1927 in Richmond IN Matrix 13035 Gennett 6307

Composition: Collins

'Lonesome Road Blues' Sam Collins as Salty Dog Sam

8 Oct 1931 in NYC Matrix 10836

Banner 32669 Melotone M12598 Oriole 8196 Perfect 0222 Romeo 5196

Composition: Traditional

Stefan Wirz at American Music traces Collins to as late as 9 October 1931 in New York City on matrices 10850 ('Sad and Lonesome') through 10854 ('Blue Heaven Blues'). He died of heart disease some 18 years later in Chicago possibly on 20 October 1949 at age sixty-two. A Collins anthology was released in 1991 by Document Records titled 'Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order 1927-1931'.

Sources & References for Cryin' Sam Collins:

Perfect Sound Forever VF History (notes) Wikipedia

Recordings: Catalogs: Discogs Hung Medien RYM

Recordings: Compilations: Music Brainz

Recordings: Sessions: Stefan Wirz (American Music / 1927-31)

Repertoire: Midnight Special Blues (traditional / recorded by Collins 1927)