The Originals © by Arnold Rypens - PREACHER AND THE BEAR, THE

PREACHER AND THE BEAR, THE

Created on 23/02/2026
Latest update on 23/02/2026

Artist: Arthur Collins
Author: George Fairman
Label: Columbia/Edison/Victor
Year: 1905

Coon song, still n°1 US; oldest millionseller.

Covers:

1937:: Prairie Ramblers
1937:: Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet
1947:: Phil Harris [top 3 US and in '67 the voice of Baloo the Bear in Disney's Jungle Book]
1967:: Hylo Brown
1970:: Jerry Reed
1970:: Rufus Thomas [on Stax LP Funky Chicken]

If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:

Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)
Belgium