Parallel Anthology Track 26
Track 26: The Masked Marvel - Mississippi Boweavil Blues Paramount 12805B; Recorded in Richmond, Indiana, 14.6.1929
The record label credits authorship of this work to "Patton" (just visible in the full size image). "The Masked Marvel" was an alias of delta blues legend Charley Patton, who died in 1934 (info from wikipedia).
www.78discography.com also credits Patton.
This composition has therefore been public domain since 1st January 2005.
Parallel anthology main index page
Alternative Versions
The Boll Weevil by Ramblin' Jack Elliott from album released in in 1958 (according to wikipedia): Spotify According to the wikipedia page for this album, this song is credited as "traditional".
The Boll Weevil by Hermes Nye recorded in 1955 (according to www.folkways.si.edu): Spotify Liner notes for this album treat this song as traditional.
The Boll Weevil by Amy Pridemore recorded in 1959: Max Hunter Collection