The album was a compilation of Williamson's first singles for Checker, from "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" b/w "All My Love in Vain" through "Dissatisfied" b/w "Cross My Heart".

The album features many famous blues musicians backing Williamson, including Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, and Willie Dixon.

"Fattening Frogs for Snakes" b/w "I Don't Know" was recorded on February 6, 1957[2] and was released either in late May or early June.

[4] "99" was recorded on September 1, 1957[2] and was released as the B-side of "Born Blind" in late January or early February 1958.

Per liner notes[9] Down and Out Blues peaked at number 20 on the UK Albums Chart in June 1964.