One Way Out

"One Way Out" is a blues song that was recorded in the early 1960s by both Sonny Boy Williamson II and Elmore James. A reworking of the song by G. L. Crockett, titled "It's a Man Down Here", appeared on the Billboard record charts in 1965. In 1971, the Allman Brothers Band recorded an updated live version of the song, which was included on their popular Eat a Peach album (1972). Early recordings Elmore James Bluesman Elmore James recorded "One Way Out" during his last sessions for record producer Bobby Robinson. Unlike James' earlier recordings, Robinson used a full-band arrangement with a four-piece horn section, instead of James' usual backing band, the Broom Dusters. The recording took place at his second session for Beltone Studios in New York City in late 1960. Unlike many of his recordings, James did not use slide guitar: James' version was not released until 1965, two years after his death. The song was paired with "My Bleeding Heart", which was recorded during the same sessions, for release as a single by Sphere Sound Records. The song is included on several compilations of James' recordings for Robinson, such as the King of the Slide Guitar box set (1992).