"Natchez Burning" written / recorded 1956 by Chester Burnett (a.k.a. Howling Wolf)

The lyrics refer to a fire that took place in 1940 at the Rhythm Club in Natchez, Mississippi, where 198 people died. It is still ranked as one of the worst fires in a public place.
The song lists a few names of some of the women who were known to be there and who were lost.


Did you ever hear about the burning, 
that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town.
Did you ever hear about the burning, 
that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town.
Those buildings got to burning, there's my baby layin'on the ground.

Charlotte Jones was there, Luiza was there, 
Rosie Mae was there, Louise was there.

Did you ever hear about the burning, 
that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town 
I stood back, was lookin', and the old building come tumble down.