How likely is it that Don Davis borrowed the title for 1961’s “Honkey Tonk Woman” from a rockabilly tune released three years prior?
“Honky-Tonk Woman” by Lee Russell (1958)
Lee Russell appears to have recorded exactly one single before giving up a music career. Unlikely that “Honky-Tonk Woman” spent any time on the chart, even though Roulette Records’ Stan Pat had expected “big things,” as noted in Cash Box‘s February 22, 1958 edition.
Johnny Horton would release “Honky Tonk Man” – his debut Columbia single – in 1956, so why is Zero to 180 surprised to discover the existence of “Honky-Tonk Woman” as far back as 1958?
