Stack O'Lee is an African American folklore figure who was known for his toughness and fearlessness. He was often depicted as a bad man who would not hesitate to use violence to get what he wanted. One of the most famous stories about Stack O'Lee is about a time when he shot someone over a hat.
The song "The Ballad of Stack O'Lee" is based on this story. The song tells the story of how Stack O'Lee shot a man named Billy Lyons over a hat and got away with it. The song portrays Stack O'Lee as a bad man who is not afraid to use violence, but also as a man who is fiercely loyal to his friends and family.
"The Ballad of Stack O'Lee" has been recorded by many different artists, including Mississippi John Hurt, Lead Belly, and Bob Dylan. The song is considered a classic of American folklore music.