Bessie Smith, released on 1921-1933, 1925-1933, Empress of the Blues and Masters; not to mention countless covers by others. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out was actually written by Ida Cox.

Once I lived the life of a millionaire,
Spending my money I didn't care.
I carried my friends out for a good time
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine.

Then I began to fall so low,
I didn't have a friend and no place to go.
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again,
I'm gonna hold on to it till them eagle's green.

Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
In my pocket not one penny,
And my friends I haven't any.
But If I ever get on my feet again,
Then I'll meet my long lost friend.
It's mighty strange, without a doubt,
Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
I mean when you're down and out.

Mmmm... when you're down and out.
Mmmm... not one penny,
And my friends I haven't any.
Mmmm... Well I felt so low,
Nobody wants me round their door.
Mmmm... Without a doubt,
No man can use you when you're down and out.
I mean when you're down and out.
Several sites attribute the song to Ida Cox and B. Feldman, while other sites attribute the song (covered by Eric Clapton to Jimmy Cox (though some spell it Jimmie). I don't really know which is correct, as the dates I've seen for both are right around the late 20's/early 30's. I guess I'd say Ida Cox though, if I had to pick who to name as a source...

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