"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").
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".