I Ain't Buying No Saigon Tea

Annotation — Blues songs

Unknown biographical details about this artists. The record was released in Thailand, copy-righted 23 July 1969 - Kuurt Watkins may have been an active service G.I., or recent veteran, and if so, likely serving in the Vietnam War due to the theme found in the lyrics of the song, "I Ain't Buying No Saigon Tea", about prostitution in Saigon, South Vietnam. It's also possible that he was a US artist, who played for US soldiers in Bangkok, while not necessarily serving in military himself. As mentioned, the song looked at Saigon nightlife, with US G.I.s visiting bars, and possibly engaging prostitutes: "well I took a trip to Saigon... tried to kiss a girl, she yelled 'GI, please be nice'".

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Notes

Thai pressing, no label name or catalogue number. Matrix (etched): A ATP 5502-1 / B ATP 5503-1. Kurrt Watkins credited Written-By, Performer, and saxophone (uncredited). Discogs notes: 'Copy righted 23 July 1969'. Discogs genre Funk / Soul; styles Rhythm & Blues, Soul. Justin owns a copy (bought 2022-10-01, spreadsheet spells 'Kuurt'). Picture sleeve (front: photo of Kurrt Watkins with tenor saxophone); back: "Written and played by Kurrt Watkins – All rights reserved – Copy righted 23 July 1969"; red Side 1 label, 45 R.P.M. Kurrt Watkins was a US serviceman; released in Thailand (source: a book – reference to follow from Justin). [From the record sleeve and label]

About the artist

Kurrt Watkins was a US GI who recorded a couple of soul and funk 7-inch singles in Thailand, with Soul Sister 7 and with The Magnificent 6. [Source: Discogs]

Themes

Saigon · R&R · Soldier's Perspective · Military

In collections

Blues songs