[1] Inspired by singer Victoria Spivey's "Black Snake Blues", the song was released on Paramount Records in 1926, and has since become recognized as a signature composition which exemplifies Jefferson's unconventional melodic style and utilization of double entendres.

[1] The song was re-recorded a year later as "Black Snake Moan" for Okeh Records,[1] and both versions have remained accessible through the availability of several compilation albums.

[7] Jefferson re-recorded another version of the song for Okeh Records, which was closely related to the original rendition, but also had superior sound quality.

[2] This version, titled simply "Black Snake Moan", was released in March 1927 along with another well-known Jefferson tune "Matchbox Blues".

[7] The composition has remained relatively accessible throughout the years, appearing on Jefferson compilation albums such as The Immortal Blind Lemon, Black Snake Moan, and King of the Blues.