Ragged but Right (song)

"Ragged But Right"[1] is a traditional American song dating from the early 1900s.[2] It was recorded by George Jones and released in 1956 as "I'm Ragged But I'm Right".[3] The song is one Jones' best early works, and it was included on his debut 1957 album (as "Ragged But Right"[4]).

George Jones version

"I'm Ragged But I'm Right"
Single by George Jones
from the album Grand Ole Opry's New Star
B-side"Your Heart"
ReleasedApril 4, 1956
RecordedAugust 1955
Gold Star Studios, Houston, Texas
GenreCountry
Length2:13
LabelStarday
Songwriter(s)Traditional
Producer(s)Pappy Daily
George Jones singles chronology
"What Am I Worth"
(1955)
"I'm Ragged But I'm Right"
(1956)
"You Gotta Be My Baby"
(1956)

"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 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

References

  1. Jeff Ferrell. Drift: Illicit Mobility and Uncertain Knowledge. University of California Press, 2018. p. 131. ISBN 9780520295544
  2. Richard L. Matteson, Jr. "Ragged But Right." Acoustic Music Source Book. Mel Bay Publications, 2012. p. 181. ISBN 9781619110991
  3. "I'm Ragged But I'm Right / Your Heart" at Discogs
  4. Grand Ole Opry's New Star at Discogs
  5. ikachina (9 January 2013). "Ragged But Right Minstrel Show Sand Dance". Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 24 October 2018 via YouTube.
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