"Ragged But Right" is a traditional American song dating from the early 1900s.
[Richard L. Matteson, Jr. "Ragged But Right." ''Acoustic Music Source Book.'' Mel Bay Publications, 2012]
p. 181.
It was recorded by
George Jones and released in 1956 as "I'm Ragged But I'm Right". The song is considered one of Jones' best early works, and it was included on his
debut 1957 album (as "Ragged But Right").
George Jones version
"Ragged But Right" is defiant honky-tonk tune dedicated to blue-collar pride. Jones recorded the song in August 1955 and it was released in February 1956 as a single. The song didn't chart upon its release but became popular with audiences anyway. He often performed the song live during his early years with
Starday
Starday Records was an American record label producing traditional country music during the 1950s and 1960s.
History
The label began in 1952 in Beaumont, Texas, when local businessmen Jack Starnes (Lefty Frizzell's manager) and Houston record di ...
and
Mercury Records. The song has since taken its place as an early George Jones standard, included on multiple albums and performed live into the 1970s. Jones is credited on his releases with writing the song, but
Colin Escott later speculated in 1994, "George probably picked it up from the
Gulf Coast legend,
Moon Mullican, who played the same spots".
Personnel
*George Jones (vocal, acoustic)
*Hal Harris (steel)
*Buck Henson (bass)
*Link Davis (fiddle)
*Doc Lewis (piano)
Other versions
* The Blue Harmony Boys version is the earliest, recorded in 1929.
*
Riley Puckett recorded his take on the song in 1934.
*
Buddy Jones recorded the song in 1937.
* Ned Haverly sang a minstrel version in the 1951 film ''
Yes Sir, Mr. Bones
''Yes Sir, Mr Bones'' is a 1951 American film written and directed by Ron Ormond and starring Gary Jackson.YES SIR, MR. BONES (Exclusive)
Picture Show; London Vol. 63, Iss. 1656, (Dec 25, 1954): 10.
Premise
A young boy finds himself in a home f ...
''.
* George Jones first recorded the song in 1956; this version was included on his debut album ''
The Grand Ole Opry's New Star
''Grand Ole Opry's New Star'' is the debut studio album released by George Jones in November 1956 with Starday Records. Produced by Jones' manager Pappy Daily, the album was recorded during early sessions in 1954, throughout 1955, and other sessio ...
'' in 1957. He re-recorded the song for his 1963 United Artists album ''The Best of George Jones''. Jones included another re-recorded version on his 1985 album ''
You've Still Got a Place in My Heart''.
*
Keith Whitley
Jackie Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 – May 9, 1989) was an American country music singer and songwriter. During his career, Whitley released only two albums but charted 12 singles on the ''Billboard'' country charts, and 7 more after his death.
...
often performed the song live as a member of the
New South.
*
Moon Mullican had a hit with a version of the song in 1961; it was part of his live repertoire for years.
*
The Greenbriar Boys
The Greenbriar Boys were an American northern bluegrass music group. who first got together in jam sessions in New York's Washington Square Park.
Biography
In 1958, guitarist and vocalist John Herald formed The Greenbriar Boys, along with Bob ...
recorded a version of the song on their 1964 album ''Ragged But Right!''
*
Waylon Jennings included his version of the song on his 1970 album ''
Singer of Sad Songs
''Singer of Sad Songs'' is an album by American country music artist Waylon Jennings, released in 1970 on RCA Nashville.
Background
Unlike most other RCA country albums, ''Singer of Sad Songs'' was recorded at their "Music Center of the World" ...
''.
*
Johnny Paycheck included a version of the song in 1978 on his album ''
Live at the Palomino
Live may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Films
* ''Live!'' (2007 film), 2007 American film
* ''Live'' (2014 film), a 2014 Japanese film
*'' ''Live'' (Apocalyptica DVD)
Music
* Live (band), American alternative rock band
* List of album ...
.
*
Johnny Cash
John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his ca ...
recorded it for his 1983 album ''
Johnny 99
''Johnny 99'' is the 69th album by American country singer Johnny Cash, released on Columbia Records in 1983. It is notable for including two covers of Bruce Springsteen songs, " Highway Patrolman" and " Johnny 99". "I'm Ragged but I'm Right ...
''.
* The
Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band recorded the song live in 1987; it was released on the 2010 album ''
Ragged but Right''.
*
Hellbound Glory recorded a reworked version of the song for the 2020 album ''Pure Scum''.
References
{{George Jones
1955 songs
George Jones songs
Johnny Cash songs
Starday Records singles
Song recordings produced by Pappy Daily