"Careless Love" is a traditional song, with several popular blues versions.
[1] The death referenced in an old version was the son of a Kentucky governor.
[2] Although published accounts have cited 1926 as the copyright date,[3] W. C. Handy copyrighted "Loveless Love" in 1921 under Pace & Handy Music Co.[4] A recording by Bessie Smith titled "Careless Love Blues" was very popular in 1925.
[5] The same year it was recorded by Papa Celestin and his Tuxedo Dixieland Jazz Band and released as a single by OKeh.
[6] New Orleans cornetist Chris Kelly was famous for his emotional rendition of the piece.