I'm Ragged But I'm Right

"I'm Ragged But I'm Right" is a 1956 song written and recorded by various artists, most notably George Jones in 1956. The song is one Jones' best early works, and it was even included on his debut 1957 album. It was released on April 4, 1956 and did not chart.

Background

"Ragged But Right" is defiant honky-tonk tune dedicated to blue-collar pride. The song was released in 1956 and has since taken its place as an early George Jones standard, included on multiple albums and performed live into the 1970s. Jones recorded the song in August 1955 and it was released in February 1956 as a single. The song didn't chart upon its release but became popular with audiences anyway. He often performed the song live during his early years with Starday and Mercury Records. Colin Escott later speculated in 1994, "George probably picked it up from the Gulf Coast legend, Moon Mullican, who played the same spots."

Personnel

• George Jones (vocal, acoustic)
• Hal Harris (steel)
• Buck Henson (bass)
• Link Davis (fiddle)
• Doc Lewis (piano)

Other versions

• The Blue Harmony Boys version is the earliest, recorded in 1929.
• Riley Puckett recorded his take on the song in 1934.
• George Jones released the song originally in 1956, which was included on his debut album "The Grand Ole Opry's New Star" in 1957. Jones included a rerecorded version on his 1985 album "You've Still Got a Place in My Heart".
• Waylon Jennings included his version of the song on his 1970 album "Singer of Sad Songs".
• Johnny Cash recorded it for his 1983 album "Johnny 99".