Cannon's Jug Stompers were a seminal jug band from the Memphis area, flourishing in the late 1920s and leaving an indelible mark on the roots of American music. Formed by Gus Cannon, who often went by Banjo Joe, the band featured an eclectic mix of folk instruments, including the banjo played by Cannon himself, harmonicas, kazoos, and of course, the jug, which added a distinctive rhythmic baseline. Cannon's musical crew at various times included Noah Lewis on the harmonica and jug, Ashley Thompson on guitar and vocals, and Hosea Woods on guitar, kazoo, and vocals. The group's sound was a vibrant combination of blues, ragtime, and a pinch of Appalachian music, all filtered through the uniquely American jug band tradition.

Their music was emblematic of the Roaring Twenties' embrace of genre-blending and cultural exchange, capturing the essence of Southern African American musical innovation. "Walk Right In," one of their most notable recordings, would later become a popular hit when covered by The Rooftop Singers in the 1960s folk revival. "Minglewood Blues," another standout track, featured the infectious, driving rhythms that were characteristic of the jug band style. Though their active recording years were short-lived, spanning 1927 to 1930, the legacy of Cannon's Jug Stompers was substantial, leading to the release of compilations such as "The Complete Works, 1927-1930" and "Presenting Cannon's Jug Stompers," which continued to celebrate and disseminate their significant contributions to the development of American roots music long after their heyday.