MEAN MISTREATER MAMA - LEROY CARR and SCRAPPER BLACKWELL (1934) on Vocalion 78 RPM (Robert Johnson)

Leroy Carr and Francis Hillman "Scrapper" Blackwell are often credited as the duo team that developed this early form of blues and made it popular through their recordings and hits, including this 1934 song, 'Mean Mistreater Mama'. Carr on piano and vocals was joined by Scrapper who is heard effectively adding simple single-note guitar. The song' composer is uncredited on the record's label, but it is commonly understood on most other references that the song was written by Carr. The duo recorded 'Mean Mistreater Mama' on February 20, 1934 and it was released in March that same year. By the end of 1934, the song had been recorded and released by Tampa Red, Bumble Bee Slim, Pinewood Tom & His Blue Hounds and by Jimmy Gordon. Since, many other artists have covered the tune, including; Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Memphis Slim and Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Of particular note, 'Mean Misstreater Mama' is one of two songs that is known to have influenced the first record from Robert Johnson in 1936. Johnson's 'Kindhearted Woman Blues' as well as Bumble Bee Slim's 'Cruel Hearted Woman Blues' have roots in Carr's 'Mean Mistreater Mama'. Johnson used both Carr's and Bumble Bee Slim's song lyrics, music and melodies with his answer song, 'Kind Hearted Woman Blues'. The most obvious difference in Johnson's song is that his is of positive view whereas both the Carr and Bumble Bee Slim songs are from a darker perspective. After forming their partnership in 1928, Carr and Blackwell would continue to record together up until February, 1935, just two months before Leroy's death at the age of 30. It is believed their last session ended on unfriendly terms in an uncharacteristic dispute over fair payments. Leroy Carr was known for his alcoholism but it is Nephritis, a kidney inflamation) that is attributed as the cause of his death. Carr died on April 29, 1935. Subsequent to Carr's passing, Blackwell continued to record and attempted solo work, but his name and popularity became somewhat forgotten. At a time when Scrapper Blackwell had a renewed interest to revitalize his blues career, on October 6, 1962, while drinking in a West-side alley with his Indianapolis neighbor, Scrapper Blackwell was mortally shot in the chest with a 22 caliber. After being found and unable to relate the circumstances of what had transpired, Blackwell died the following day the age of 59. His neighbor, Robert Beam, was quickly charged with the murder after a same-caliber weapon was found in his home, however; Blackwell's murder to this day remains unsolved. I recorded this video of my original (and somewhat worn) Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell release on Vocalion Records 78 RPM playing on my turntable to share the experience of playing 78s with those who also enjoy the hobby and history of vinyl records, especially of early and original Blues. I do not claim or own, nor imply ownership, of the song or music recording in any way. Lyrics You're a mean mistreating mama, And you don't mean me no good. You're a mean mistreating mama, And you don't mean me no good. And I don't blame you, Baby, I'd be the same way if I could. You say you're going to leave me, Well you say you going away. Now you say you're going to leave me, And you say you going away. That's all right, Baby, Maybe you'll come back home some day. Now, you're a mean mistreater, And you mistreats me all the time. Now, you're a mean mistreater, And you mistreats me all the timе. I tried to love you, Baby, Swear, but you won't pay that no mind. Can you rеmember mama in the morning I knocked upon your door? You had the nerve to tell me that you didn't want me no more! Can you remember, Baby, When I knocked upon your door? You had the nerve to tell me, That you didn't want me no more. Ain't it lonesome sleeping all by yourself? When the one that you love is loving someone else. Ain't it lonesome, Sleeping by yourself? When the one that you love, Baby, is loving someone else.