Songs about drinking….what a treasure trove. I feel like a kid in a candy store. Drinking song #5 features Tex Ritter and it’s called Rye Whiskey.

Born in 1905, Mr. Ritter was both a singer and an actor – and the father of John Ritter, the actor. I don’t know too many people who know his music, but I think he was a good performer and well worth a listen.

I’d like to change the pace for drinking song #6. Here’s Wynonie Harris performing Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well.

http://youtu.be/RmkcAgRGPV8

Do I hear washboad in that cut? I love the hand-claps! Wynonie Harris was an R&B singer whose catchy rhythms were a precursor to early rock ‘n roll.  Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well has been a favourite tune of mine for ages, and I’m happy to feature it here.

For Drinking Song #7, let’s enjoy a tune called Cigarettes and Whiskey and Wild Wild Women. There are plenty of versions of this tune. I don’t know who did it first. If you do, please comment and let me know. It’s easy enough for me to choose though. I really enjoy the way Ramblin’ Jack Elliott attacks a song, so here he is.