S.O.D. "Stagger Lee" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

12/1/2015     Fifty four versions, that we know about, were recorded concerning this 1895 tragic event.  In those days, believe it or not, the law would nail you for your crime, and Shelton "Stagger" Lee served 12 years, before he was pardoned, for murdering Billy Lyons at the Bill Curtis Saloon in St. Louis, Missouri.  

     Lee was a pimp of the Macks group, who had plenty of money.  Lyons was with the St. Louis underground and most likely a competitor of Lee's concerning business. The two got in an argument and Lyons took Lee's hat from him causing him to be shot.  

     Published in 1911, the first version was recorded in 1923 by Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians.  In 1959 Lloyd Price  released the most successful version, taking the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.  The cover you're about to hear was made in 1995. Nick Cave is really good with scary stuff.  

     Think about it, if so many tales and songs were created regarding this murder, it was probably an uncommon happening.      http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lneSAju-Xtc