The Evolution of Sinner Man

I believe the folk song, "Sinner Man," is of Scottish origin. It was first sung in the Appalachians of the United States. Although it's likely of Scottish or some other Northern European origin, the song is most often associated with Nina Simone's legendary, 10 minute long version of the song which infuses it with black gospel and jazz influences. The song remains one of the best-known folk songs/spirituals in the US and one of Nina Simone's best recordings. It has also been covered by a broad array of different performers, such as Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Lauryn Hill, The Weavers, and Les Baxter.

The earliest recording of the song I could find is one from the 1950s by Les Baxter. It's interesting for incorporating a large orchestra but not nearly as jazzy or soulful as Nina Simone's acclaimed version from her Pastel Blues in the 1960s.

The Weavers also recorded the song in a more folksy manner

Here is a version by Bob Marley and the Wailers (but it's really just Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer singing) that uses a ska beat. Peter Tosh would later perform the song as "Downpressor Man"

Here is Peter Tosh's reggae version

Nina Simone performed the song often at the end of her live shows in the early 1960s when she regularly performed at the clubs in Greenwich Village. I've added an early version and the epic one

Lauryn Hill

Spanish folk group's interpretation

Another version

Yoko Kanno