Recorded by Bill Offenbacher at Sunset Park in West Grove, PA on May 4, 1958. Issued on the album “Stanley Series: Volume 3, Number 3” (Copper Creek CCCD-3-3/CCCD-5511, 1990). Features Carter Stanley, Ralph Stanley, Bill Napier, Ralph Mayo and Jack Cooke. Song is traditional and dates back at least to the 1920s (originally titled as “Willis Mabry”). Song based on true story in which Mabry killed his brother-in-law, Tom Galbraith, in Roane County, TN around 1885. Mabry fled but later returned; he was captured and given a life sentence in 1909. Mabry was pardoned in 1922. Song first issued by the Blue Sky Boys as “In The Hills Of Roane County” (Bluebird B-8693, 1941). Song was recorded by the Cope Brothers for King in 1947 and by Jimmie Osborne, also for King, in 1953. (Both of these King records were issued as “Hills Of Roan County.”) A 1957 Bill Monroe version on Decca was issued as “Roane County Prison” and a 1962 Grandpa Jones version on King was issued as “Willis Mayberry.” The Stanley Brothers recorded the song for King on January 29, 1963 and again the label dropped the letter “e” from the county name.
17 сен 2024
