Billy Roberts “Hey Joe“- first ever recording 1961/62

This is the very first recording of the song “Hey Joe“, ever made. Is is a home demo recording by the song’s writer, Billy Roberts. The song has a long and complicated history regarding it’s authorship, but this is the absolute first version ever recorded, in 1961/62, as a favor to Billy Roberts friend Barry Friedman. I received a CDR copy of this ree-to-reel tape in the early 2000’s from Billy then lawyer/manager. I have edited together some historical footage of prisoners from the 30’s and 40’s to aid the song visually, as the images seem to fit the tone of the song very well.