1939
DOUBLE CROSSIN' PAPA * ROSETTA CRAWFORD * BRUNSWICK 03461 * UK
Recorded in New York February in 1939 and released on the Decca record label, this is a first class example of a pre war independent-girl on record. The song, written by the forward thinking and pioneering singer, songwriter and pianist Perry Bradford, is an uncompromising assertion of equality for the sexes. In which Rosetta Crawford states that, if her man 'double crosses' her, she would not only get even, but, effortlessly be able to outstrip him in that department (a sobering fact, even today). Many of Rosetta Crawford's songs were of this proto-feminist persuasion, as were the songs of countless other pre war female blues singers, like: Memphis Minnie, Chippie Hill, Bessie Tucker, Willie B. Huff, and many, many more.
See also: I'm Tired Of Fattenin' Frogs For Snakes