Talk:St. James Infirmary Blues

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All the info below and more at this link: http://robwalker.net/html_docs/letterthirteen.html . Sorry I'm not fixing this up. --70.144.38.110 30 June 2005 00:08 (UTC)

Probably based on 18th century English ballad "The Unfortunate Rake". About a person dying of syphilis on the stairs of St. James Hospital ("As I lay dying on the stairs of St. James Hospital"). The melody of "Streets of Laredo" comes from the same song. In the USA the song transformed into "The Dying Cowboy", which was transformed into "The Dying Gambler", "Gambler's Blues" and/or "St. James Infirmary" by the blacks working the plantations. Bob Dylan used the melody for "Blind Willie McTell". The lyrics of the latter were "written" by Irving Mills under the pseudonym of Joe Primrose. First recorded by Louis Armstrong & His Savoy Ballroom Five in 1928/29 for the Okeh-label.

[edit] Other notable singers?

Is it worth mentioning other notable singers who've performed the song? There are a number written into the article already, but I was curious if I should include Josh White.

Someone should. If not you or I, who? JimCubb 22:43, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Location of Infirmary

Does anyone know if the historic location that this song's title is based on isn't the Saint James Infirmary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Jimmithy (talk • contribs) 06:40, 5 March 2007 (UTC).

It more likely is referring to St James Hospital in Liverpool (England) --David Broadfoot 02:13, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

I always assumed it was in New Orleans, so associated with drinking, gambling, prostitution, and of course, early jazz. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.189.173.205 (talk) 01:56, 7 May 2008 (UTC)