Expert: George Armstrong - 10/17/2007

Question
QUESTION: Theres this coke commercial playing on the radio here where this guy tells a story about bringing a coke to work and it gets stolen so the next day he brings two twelve packs.  The song in the background sounds like an old blues song and the lyrics are, "She used to be mine.  She done left me.  My coke is gone."  I think it was originally "My Cookie's gone,"  Cookie being the name of his girl.  Anyway, any thoughts on what song this is?  Its driving me crazy and Coke refuses to tell me what it is.  I've been emailing them for two weeks now.

ANSWER: Hi Josh,

You are not the only person looking for this song. I found a woman on Yahoo that was asking about it. Please tell me more? During what month/year did it air? Is there a way I can hear part of it? There are several old Blues tunes that have the title "She Done Left Me". However, I'm fairly certain they are not what you're looking for. Any additional info is appreciated. I'll look forward to hearing from you! Regards, George

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is still currently playing on 106.1 in savannah, ga.  It plays most around lunch time on weekdays.  I called Adventure Media (The advertising company for that radio station) but they dont return my calls, and coke refuses to give me any info on it.  I've emailed them back and forth for about 2 weeks, and they are very worried about copyright infringements so they wont give me any information on it.  I dont know how I could possibly record it.  Maybe tomorrow I will tote my radio into my computer room and try to record the commercial when it comes on.

ANSWER: Hi Josh,

I thought I answered this follow up! Did you receive my response that I thought this might be Deadman Turner, "Imitation Blues"? By the way, Banjo was used for very early Blues, before guitar. It's possible the song is a real antiquity. Please let me know if you need further information. Regards, George

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I checked deadman turner, and that sounds very similar but its not it.  I have been trying to record the commercial for a week for you, and whenever I sit down at the computer and listen for it, it doesnt come on.  You know - a watched pot never boils.  I will keep trying.

Answer
Hi Josh,

I'm glad the Deadman Turner sounded close. At least we know it is likely a Dobro or steel guitar. I'll look forward to the recording. If all else fails, I know an absolute guru at the really old Blues/Jazz (pre WW2), I'll see if he can assist you. There is a national project underway to recover some of that music from wire recordings and old masters. Regards, George