In 1921, the Leightons attempted a comeback reinventing themselves as the discoverers of jazz and blues and repeating the inaccuracy of having composed Casey Jones.  In a move that anticipated the later popularity of  Sigmund Spaeth and Alan Lomax, the Leightons attempted to frame  themselves  as intrepid musicologists who  “conceived the idea of commercializing the pathetic lamentations of the unfortunates of the underworld.” The comeback failed and, with the unexpected death of older brother Frank in 1926, the act broke up.