Chew Tobacco Rag (MP3s)

What was 1951's loopiest and most contagious hillbilly novelty song?  Judging by the number of cover versions it spawned, it had to be Chew Tobacco Rag, written and originally recorded by Texan Billy Briggs for the Imperial label.  Briggs' version never managed to chart, but Zeb Turner's version, released on King, made it all the way to within spitting distance of topping the charts, finally losing momentum at #8.

 Pictured: Billy Briggs.

 

 

Billy Briggs  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Zeb Turner  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Sandy Nelson  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Spade Cooley  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Billy Jack Wills  -  Tobacco Chewing Boogie

Lucky Millinder  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Arthur Smith  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Dave & Deke Combo  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Rex Turner  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Pee Wee King  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Ray Campi  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Al Trace & His Orchestra  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Los Carayos  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Red Ingle  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Don Johnson  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Mack Burgess  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Jim Pipkins  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Bon Ton Roulet  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Six String Eric & His Lazy Ranch Hands  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Del Gillman  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Buz Butler  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

"Doc" Tommy Scott  -  Chew Tobacco Rag

Billy Briggs  -  Chew Tobacco Rag #2

Marlo & Slim  -  Chew Tobacco Rag #2

Eddie Ware  -  Lima Beans

Comments

[madeline burke]

At 3:45 see Pooky gets his "chaw" on!!! LOL! "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_Sl_rOBVhI"

[Listener Greg G.]

Thanks! That made my day.