Frankie and Johnny is an American standard that was written by no one in particular-it just evolved over time. It supposedly tells the true story of 22 year old Frankie Baker of st. Louis who shot her 17 year old lover, Allen Britt on the St Louis riverfront in 1899. Britt died but Baker was acquitted due to self defense. King Oliver and his 1930 orchestra play Frankie and Johnny with harmonica accompaniment by Roy Schmeck (sp.Smeck). The recording was made at Victor's 46th St. Labs in New York January 15, 1930 and carries label V38109, matrix BVE58339.
