Songs with Earlier Histories Than the Hit Version

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Baby, Please Don’t Go

First recorded by Big Joe Williams’ Washboard Blues Singers (1935).
Also recorded by Muddy Waters (1953), Mose Allison (1960), Georgia Fame (1963).
Hit versions by The Orioles (R&B #8 1952), Them (US #102/UK #10 1964).

From the wiki: “‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’ is a Blues song which has been called ‘one of the most played, most arranged, and most rearranged pieces in Blues history’ by music historian Gerard Herzhaft. Delta Blues musician Big Joe Williams popularized it with several versions beginning in 1935. The song’s roots have been traced back to nineteenth-century slave songs, dealing with themes of bondage and imprisonment. In 1952, a Doo-wop version by The Orioles reached the R&B Top 10 (an early 45 rpm issue available only on red vinyl); Muddy Waters’ 1953 recording recast the song as an electric Chicago Blues ensemble piece, influencing many subsequent renditions.

“‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’ became a popular Rock song in 1964 when the Northern Irish group Them recorded it as one of their earliest single releases. (Several music writers have identified Jimmy Page, at that time a studio guitarist, as performing for the recording, although his exact contributions are unclear.) Them’s version was sparked by a 1963 live recording by Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames (issued on Rhythm And Blues at the Flamingo) who, in turn, were inspired by Mose Allison’s 1960 recording. ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’ was released as Them’s second single in November 1964.

“Boosted by the B-side, ‘Gloria‘, Them’s ‘Baby, Please Don’t Go’ became their first hit, reaching #10 on the UK Singles Chart. ‘Gloria’ would be released in the US as the A-side single in 1965 and 1966, peaking at #93 & #71 respectively. (The Shadows of Knight cover peaked at #10 in 1966.)”

The Orioles, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (1952):

Muddy Waters, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (1953):

Mose Allison, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (1960):

Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” (1963):

Them, “Please Don’t Go” (1965):

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