The wonderful Gladys Bentley singing the Leroy Carr tune “How Long How Long Blues”, which had just been released as a single on the Vocalion label by Carr and guitarist Scrapper Blackwell a few months earlier.
Bentley is accompanied by guitarist Eddie Lang and an unidentified pianist. Bentley was an excellent pianist in her own right, but the piano here sounds a bit distant in the recording.
Recorded in New York City on August 31, 1928. Released as Okeh 8612
Credits Gladys Bentley – vocals Eddie Lang – guitar Unidentified – piano
The wonderful Gladys Bentley delivers “Big Gorilla Man” with such a remarkable charisma it is clear why she was such a popular nightclub performer in the late 20s and early 30s.
Released as Okeh 8707 Recorded in New York, New York on March 26, 1929.
Lyrics: That big gorilla – a woman killer – and I ought to know. He mistreats me – knocks and beats me – till I love him so Cause he’s got that something that I need so bad.
Every morning when day is dawning I get so dog-gone scared That he’ll wake me – he might shake me – until I lose my head He’s got that something that I need so bad.
It’s so distressing – keeps me guessing – holds my breath so long All my sweetness – he knows my weakness – he’s so big and strong He’s got that something that I need so bad.
Hear me sayin’ – he keeps me weighin’ one hundred and ten His devotion and slow motion – keeps me awful thin. He’s got that something that I need so bad.
When excites me, he may bite me – got his habits on His eyes gleaming, and I start screaming when my love comes down. He’s got that something that I need so bad.
His nerves are steady – he’s always ready – that big gorilla man. He loves a whole lot and I use all he’s got – like no other can. He’s got that something that I need so bad.
