preached half to death . . .

Originally written in 1929 by Blind Alfred Reed who recorded it on 04 Dec 1929 in New York City and released as RCA VICTOR Vi V-40236. It had Blind Alfred Reed on fiddle and vocals and his son, Arville Reed, on guitar. Check out Blind Alfred Reed's version.

The song was also recorded -- and made famous -- by Ry Cooder on his 1970 self-titled album, Ry Cooder.