Alright. Prepare yourself for a most amazing song, accompanied by an absolutely tragic story.

It’s might even be more effective if you read first, then listen. Jackson C. Frank, the condensed version:

At age 11 a fire rips apart Frank’s elementary school. He is badly burned, but survives. Many other children do not. In the hospital he begins playing music.

In 1965 Frank writes a terrific album, which is produced by Paul Simon. It may or may not have been recorded in Simon’s living room.

Frank marries. He and his wife lose one of their children to Cystic Fibrosis. Frank is completely devastated. He is no longer writing music.

Years later he is found living on the streets in New York City, where he is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. One day, while sitting on a bench in New York, a stray round from a pellet gun hits Frank, blinding him in one eye.

Frank passes away in 1999. Despite many artists promoting him and covering his songs, during his life he is rarely noticed by the music listening public.

Sad, sad stuff. And this track, “Blues Run The Game” is too. That said, it’s an absolutely brilliant, cathartic performance of a fantastic song.

Listen:“Blues Run The Game” by Jackson C. Frank.