As far as singing goes, I wanted to do something new and have a style that wasn't too common. I was inspired by the records of Jimmie Rodgers, a white singer of that time. He was called the 'yodeling singer' because he would sing some parts in a head voice, like the Swiss yodelers. I took that idea and adapted it to my own abilities. I couln't do no yodelin' so I turned to howlin'. And it's done me just fine - Howlin' Wolf
I've spent a lot of time looking, both online and in the home library, over the past few days, and I can't find an answer. I wonder if it's just a name that fit the meter and rhymed with "down".
Sleepy John Estes' Who's Been Telling You Buddy Brown Blues was recorded in 1935. The earliest use of the Buddy Brown verse I can find in a quick search is in Texas Alexander's 98 Degree Blues from 1929. Apparently the verse floated around a bit.
Perhaps just a made up name to fill verses, but could maybe have some reality somewhere in the past. Sounds like the archetype of the guy that avoided work like many musicians were trying to do.
Logged
Charlie is the Father, Son is the Son, Willie is the Holy Ghost
I think musicians just found the idea of eating breakfast and laying back down appealing, Phil, especially after having heard Texas Alexander sing it. He could always sell a lyric, that's for sure. All best, Johnm