The Mississippi Moaner

Isaiah Nettles recorded under the alias Mississippi Moaner during a single session held for Vocalion Records in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 20, 1935, yielding five sides in total. Only one 78 from those recordings reached commercial release, coupling “Mississippi Moan” with “It’s Cold in China Blues,” a crisp interpretation of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “Long Lonesome Blues.” Credible as a singer and accomplished on guitar, Nettles resided in Carlisle, Mississippi, located in Claiborne County, at least through 1936, after which every trace of him disappears.