Ragged but Right (song) explained

"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". The song is considered one of Jones' best early works, and it was included on his debut 1957 album (as "Ragged But Right").

George Jones version

I'm Ragged But I'm Right
Type:single
Artist:George Jones
Album:Grand Ole Opry's New Star
B-Side:Your Heart
Released:April 4, 1956
Recorded:August 1955
Studio:Gold Star (Houston, Texas)
Genre:Country
Length:2:13
Label:Starday
Producer:Pappy Daily
Prev Title:What Am I Worth
Prev Year:1955
Next Title:Rock It
Next Year: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

Other versions

Notes and References

  1. Jeff Ferrell. Drift: Illicit Mobility and Uncertain Knowledge. University of California Press, 2018. p. 131.
  2. Richard L. Matteson, Jr. "Ragged But Right." Acoustic Music Source Book. Mel Bay Publications, 2012. p. 181.
  3. Web site: Ragged But Right Minstrel Show Sand Dance. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/A6dXrm1YjBE . 2021-12-21 . live. ikachina. 9 January 2013. 24 October 2018. YouTube.