Jackson also copyrighted the song before Rodgers .
Two African - American bluesmen also recorded the song prior to Rodgers : Blind Blake ( in 1927 ) , and Jim Jackson ( in January 1928 ) .
Jim Jackson also copyrighted the song before Rodgers .
Two African - American bluesmen also recorded the song prior to Rodgers : Blind Blake ( in 1927 ) , and Jim Jackson ( in January 1928 ) .