Blog: 20JazzFunkGreats

Researcher Rusty David, of St. Louis, suggests that while the details of the current ballad support the Frankie Baker/Allen Britt story, in fact the ballad predates this murder, and describes a killing that took place in the same red-light district of St. Louis sometime around 1865-70. When the Baker/Britt killing took place, according to David, the earlier ballad was modified to fit the new events. source Lonnie Donegan lived long enough (and stayed famous enough in the UK) to put future generations off uncovering the roots of his enduring success.  [...]

• Lonnie Donegan - Frankie And Johnny