“St. James Infirmary Blues” is based on an 18th century traditional English folk song of anonymous origin, though sometimes credited to the songwriter Joe Primrose (a pseudonym for Irving Mills). Louis Armstrong made it famous in his influential 1928 recording.
Louis Armstrong
“St. James Infirmary Blues” is thought to be based on an 18th century traditional English folk song called “The Unfortunate Rake” (also known as “The Unfortunate Lad” or “The Young Man Cut Down in His Prime”).
