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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)
Artist: Robert Wilkins
Author: Robert Wilkins
Label: Brunswick
Year: 1929
Blues guitarist with Cherokee blood. Recorded at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Song based on hymn The Prodigal Son (Chisholm/Stebbins) from 1921. Banjo player Dock Boggs cut a version in '63.
Covers:
Robert Wilkins [as The Prodigal Son (see footnote) on Piedmont label]
Rolling Stones [idem; with Ry Cooder instead of Brian Jones]
Sonny Landreth [idem; for Huey Meaux's Crazy Cajun label]
Michelle Shocked [feminist variation as Prodigal Daughter]
Eric Clapton [with J.J. Cale]
In the '60s Wilkins re-cut his gospel based blues as straight gospel. According to his granddaughter Lane Wilkins, Robert switched from the devil's music to church music the day his wife Ida Mae got seriously ill in '42. It's that spiritual the Stones covered on Beggers Banquet, without proper credits. Until his death in '87 Robert wasn't paid significant royalties.
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)