They tell me that Blind Willie Johnson was one of the best slide guitar players to ever play a guitar. Now I don't know if that is true or not, I'll let you be the judge. It is claimed that he played the guitar not with a bottle neck as most slide players do but with a pocket knife. He was a Blues Gospel singer, song writer and slide guitar player of the first order. Not only did he play the blues but he lived the blues.
Like his contemporary Robert Johnson all bluesmen stand on his shoulders. That of course is my opinion, but if you listen to the mans music I think you will agree. There are those who think that Blind Willie Johnson was actually a better Bluesman than Robert Johnson. When you take Willie Johnson's playing and his song writing abilities into account, I tend to agree.
Blind Willie Johnson's vocal delivery was so raw and could range from rage to tenderness. When you add that to his talking guitar his delivery is hard to beat for its beauty and power.
His "If I Had My Way I'd Tear The Building Down" got him arrested when Blind Willie unknowingly sang it in front of a U.S. government building in Dallas, became a '60s icon. Years later, the story goes, after his house burned to the ground he caught pneumonia, but when treatment was sought, he was told the hospital did not treat blind people, so he returned home and died.
"If my soul be lost, its nobody's fault but mine." Man those lines are haunting me on this Sunday. Please join with me and a few of my favorite blues and rock musicians as they contemplate the immortal words of the good and righteous Blind Willie Johnson.
The song has a very interesting history, see Wikipedia's entry;
"Nobody's Fault but Mine" is a traditional blues song that has been covered by many musicians since the late 1960s. A gospel under the title "It's Nobody's Fault but Mine" is listed in the 1924 Cleveland Library's Index to Negro Spirituals. The first known recording of this song, under the title "It's Nobody's Fault but Mine", was made by blues-gospel guitarist Blind Willie Johnson; the sides were recorded over the period 1927-1930. It is unknown if he was the writer of the track, or simply covering a traditional song. Currently Johnson's version is not registered with any copyright association and resides in public domain. A cover of this song was played intermittently by Jerry Garcia with the Grateful Dead throughout their career, sometimes with lyrics, sometimes without. Earlier versions crediting "traditional, arranged Grateful Dead", while later versions crediting Blind Willie Johnson.
Blind Willie Johnson "Jesus is coming soon" with introduction by Blind Willie Mc.Tell.
The creater of this video used "sequences from the film "Blood of Jesus" as a video to this song and Mc.Tell´s interview with John Lomax as introduction."
To listen to these videos you will need to go a couple of post down and turn off or pause the play list.
People, it's Sunday and I sure do wish I knew who is that writing about the book of the seven seals?
Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and them people over there at Wikipedia say that it is John the Revelator.
Son House - John the Revelator
Blind Willie Johnson - John the Revelator
Depeche Mode: "John The Revelator"
Lyrics of John The Revelator From Wikipedia
The lyrics below are Blind Willie Johnson's version of "John the Revelator". Subsequent versions feature a variety of substituted verses and different interpretations of Johnson's lyrics.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Tell me what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals Now who art worthy, thousands cried holy Bound for some, Son of our God Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion He redeemeth us, Jesus bought us with his blood Now tell me who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Well what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals John the Revelator, great advocator Get's 'em on the battle of Zion Lord, tellin' the story, risin' in glory Cried, "Lord, don't you love some I" [Repeat verses 4 & 5] Well Moses to Moses, watchin' the flock Saw the bush where they had to stop God told Moses, "Pull off your shoes" Out of the flock, a-well-a you I choose [Repeat verses 4 & 5]
These are the lyrics for Son House's 1965 recording version.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
God walked down in the cool of the day Called Adam by his name But he refused to answer Because he's naked and ashamed [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Christ had twelve apostles And three he led away He said, "Walk with me while I walk, 'til I go yon and pray." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Christ came on Easter morning Mary and Martha were down to see He said, "Go tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Revelations Chapter 1, versus 1-3, King James Version
(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: (2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3) Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.
Blind Willie Johnson - Trouble Will Soon Be Over. This is an actor playing Blind Willie McTell. Skip James - Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (Actor playing Skip James) Alvin Youngblood Heart - Tell All My Boys
Skip James - Soul Of A Man - Pt.2
Songs on this video:
Skip James - He Is A Mighty Good Leader Church Choir - You Better Run J.B. Lenoir - I Want To Go J.B. Lenoir - Voodoo Music Los Lobos - Voodoo Music J.B. Lenoir - God's Word Shemika Copeland - Release Me Devil
Skip James -Soul Of A Man - Pt.3
Songs on this video:
Dick Waterman - comments Skip James - I'd Rather Be The Devil Dick Waterman - comments about Newport Blues festival Skip James - Cherry Ball Blues (during a blues contest between Son House, Skip James and Bukka White.) Dick Waterman - comments about Skip James playing style. Skip James - Worried Blues Skip James - I'm So Glad Cream - I'm So Glad
Skip James - Soul Of A Man - Pt.4
Songs on this video:
Cassandra Wilson - Vietnam Blues by J.B. Lenoir Eagle Eye Therry, Vernon Reid, David Barnes and Games "Blood" Ulner - Down In Mississippi by J.B. Lenoir
Skip James - Soul Of A Man - Pt.5
Songs on this video:
J.B. Lenoir - Alabama Blues J.B. Lenoir - The Whale Has Swallowed Me Skip James - Crow Jane Blind Willie Johnson - Somebody Tell Me
"John the Revelator" is a traditional Gospel/blues call and response song.[1] In the chorus, John of Patmos, the traditional author of the Book of Revelation, is writing "the book of the seven seals." At the time of the song's composition (and in modern times), John of Patmos was generally considered the same person as John the Apostle and John the Evangelist.
I like the Son House a capella version myself.
Son House - John the Revelator
Blind Willie Johnson - John the Revelator
Depeche Mode: "John The Revelator"
Gov't Mule: "John The Revelator"
Lyrics of John The Revelator From Wikipedia
The lyrics below are Blind Willie Johnson's version of "John the Revelator". Subsequent versions feature a variety of substituted verses and different interpretations of Johnson's lyrics.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Tell me what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals Now who art worthy, thousands cried holy Bound for some, Son of our God Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion He redeemeth us, Jesus bought us with his blood Now tell me who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Well what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals John the Revelator, great advocator Get's 'em on the battle of Zion Lord, tellin' the story, risin' in glory Cried, "Lord, don't you love some I" [Repeat verses 4 & 5] Well Moses to Moses, watchin' the flock Saw the bush where they had to stop God told Moses, "Pull off your shoes" Out of the flock, a-well-a you I choose [Repeat verses 4 & 5]
These are the lyrics for Son House's 1965 recording version.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
God walked down in the cool of the day Called Adam by his name But he refused to answer Because he's naked and ashamed [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Christ had twelve apostles And three he led away He said, "Walk with me while I walk, 'til I go yon and pray." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals Christ came on Easter morning Mary and Martha were down to see He said, "Go tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Revelations Chapter 1, versus 1-3, King James Version
(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: (2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3) Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.
see the following for lyrics and details
Blind Willie Johnson ( 1929 ) God Moves on the Water Encyclopedia Titanica (ref: #4823, accessed 9th April 2012 04:05:20 AM)
URL : http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/godmoves.html
I don't think I can recommend this mp3 album more enthusiastically. I love it, and think that fans of the blues, folk music, and gospel music will too. Just check out the various artist who are included here.
The cool part about mp3 albums is that you only have to buy the tracks that you like, but in this case each track is a keeper.
CD1 1. Ezekiel Saw De Wheel - Fisk Jubilee Singers 2. Crazy Blues - Mamie Smith & Her Jazz Hounds 3. Careless Love Blues - Bessie Smith 4. Frankie - Mississippi John Hurt 5. Lord I Can't Just Keep From Crying - Blind Willie Johnson 6. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today - Washington Phillips 7. Sitting On Top Of The World - The Mississippi Sheiks 8. Blues Before Sunrise - Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell 9. If You See My Saviour - Thomas A. Dorsey 10. Broke Down Engine - Blind Willie McTell 11. Mister Tom Hughe's Town - Leadbelly 12. Cross Road Blues - Robert Johnson 13. Key To The Highway - Big Bill Broonzy 14. Nine Foot Shovel - Joshua White 15. Cowboy's Lament - Burl Ives 16. Me And My Chauffeur Blues - Memphis Minnie 17. Swing Down Chariot - The Golden Gate Quartet 18. Dere's A Man Goin' Round / I Know De Lord - Paul Robeson 19. Baby Please Don't Go - Big Joe Williams 20. Hard Day Blues - Muddy Waters 21. I'll Never Forget - Ira Tucker & The Dixie Hummingbirds 22. I'll Fly Away - The Trumpeteers 23. I Will Move On Up A Little Higher - Mahalia Jackson 24. Greenfields - The Brotehrs Four
CD2 1. Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan 2. The Patriot Game - The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem 3. Green, Green - The New Christy Minstrels feat. Barry McGuire 4. We Shall Overcome - Pete Seeger 5. The Sound Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel 6. Death Letter - Son House 7. Little Boxes - Malvina Reynolds 8. Will The Circle Be Unbroken - The Staple Singers 9. Suzanne - Leonard Cohen 10. Going Up To The Country, Paint My Mailbox Blue - Taj Mahal 11. These Days - Tom Rush 12. Mean Mistreater - Johnny Winter 13. I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man - Willie Dixon 14. Blue River - Eric Andersen 15. Longer - Dan Fogelberg 16. Romeo's Tune - Steve Forget 17. Pride And Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble 18. Steady On - Shawn Colvin 19. Galileo - Indigo Girls 20. Stand Still - Shirley Ceasar feat. John P. Kee 21. Every Morning - Keb'Mo'
I don't think I can recommend this mp3 album more enthusiastically. I love it, and think that fans of the blues, folk music, and gospel music will too. Just check out the various artist who are included here.
The cool part about mp3 albums is that you only have to buy the tracks that you like, but in this case each track is a keeper.
CD1 1. Ezekiel Saw De Wheel - Fisk Jubilee Singers 2. Crazy Blues - Mamie Smith & Her Jazz Hounds 3. Careless Love Blues - Bessie Smith 4. Frankie - Mississippi John Hurt 5. Lord I Can't Just Keep From Crying - Blind Willie Johnson 6. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today - Washington Phillips 7. Sitting On Top Of The World - The Mississippi Sheiks 8. Blues Before Sunrise - Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell 9. If You See My Saviour - Thomas A. Dorsey 10. Broke Down Engine - Blind Willie McTell 11. Mister Tom Hughe's Town - Leadbelly 12. Cross Road Blues - Robert Johnson 13. Key To The Highway - Big Bill Broonzy 14. Nine Foot Shovel - Joshua White 15. Cowboy's Lament - Burl Ives 16. Me And My Chauffeur Blues - Memphis Minnie 17. Swing Down Chariot - The Golden Gate Quartet 18. Dere's A Man Goin' Round / I Know De Lord - Paul Robeson 19. Baby Please Don't Go - Big Joe Williams 20. Hard Day Blues - Muddy Waters 21. I'll Never Forget - Ira Tucker & The Dixie Hummingbirds 22. I'll Fly Away - The Trumpeteers 23. I Will Move On Up A Little Higher - Mahalia Jackson 24. Greenfields - The Brotehrs Four
CD2 1. Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan 2. The Patriot Game - The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem 3. Green, Green - The New Christy Minstrels feat. Barry McGuire 4. We Shall Overcome - Pete Seeger 5. The Sound Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel 6. Death Letter - Son House 7. Little Boxes - Malvina Reynolds 8. Will The Circle Be Unbroken - The Staple Singers 9. Suzanne - Leonard Cohen 10. Going Up To The Country, Paint My Mailbox Blue - Taj Mahal 11. These Days - Tom Rush 12. Mean Mistreater - Johnny Winter 13. I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man - Willie Dixon 14. Blue River - Eric Andersen 15. Longer - Dan Fogelberg 16. Romeo's Tune - Steve Forget 17. Pride And Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble 18. Steady On - Shawn Colvin 19. Galileo - Indigo Girls 20. Stand Still - Shirley Ceasar feat. John P. Kee 21. Every Morning - Keb'Mo'
When I think of blues music, the Delta Blues is what usually comes to mind. According to Wikipedia;
The Delta blues is one of the earliest styles of blues music. It originated in the Mississippi Delta, a region of the United States that stretches from Memphis, Tennessee in the north to Vicksburg, Mississippi in the south, the Mississippi River on the west to the Yazoo River on the east. The Mississippi Delta area is famous both for its fertile soil and its extreme poverty. Guitar and harmonica are the dominant instruments used. The vocal styles range from introspective and soulful to passionate and fiery.
Growing up in Louisiana, in the shadow of the great state of Texas gives you a different perspective on things. Especially music. Especially blues music. I feel like I really understand what those great Texas blues musicians were singing about, you know what I mean?
People like Lightin' Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, T-Bone Walker and Leadbelly. Living there for a few years, and going to college there only served to make me appreciate the state, the people and the great Texas Blues music even more.
According to Wikipedia;
Texas Blues began to appear in the early 1900s among African Americans who worked in oilfields, ranches and lumber camps. In the 1920s, Blind Lemon Jefferson innovated the style by using jazz-like improvisation and single string accompaniment on a guitar; Jefferson's influence defined the field and inspired later performers, like Lightnin' Hopkins and T-Bone Walker. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many bluesmen moved to cities like Galveston, Houston and Dallas. It was from these cities that a new wave of popular performers appeared, including slide guitarist and gospel singer Blind Willie Johnson and legendary vocalist Big Mama Thornton. Duke Records and Peacock Records were the most important labels of the scene.
In the 1960s, however, the record industry moved north, reducing Texas's importance in the blues scene. The area's importance returned in the 1970s when a Texas blues rock sound developed, led by Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, ZZ Top and the The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This set the stage for the revival of the 1980s, which produced Stevie Ray Vaughan and moved the blues capital of the state to Austin.
Son House's version of this song is the definitive version as far as I am concerned. But I'm trying to not be such a purist, and this song is a good jumping off point.
Lyrics of John The Revelator From Wikipedia
The lyrics below are Blind Willie Johnson's version of "John the Revelator". Subsequent versions feature a variety of substituted verses and different interpretations of Johnson's lyrics.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Tell me what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Now who art worthy, thousands cried holy Bound for some, Son of our God Daughter of Zion, Judah the Lion He redeemeth us, Jesus bought us with his blood
Now tell me who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Well what's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator What's John a-writin'? Ask the Revelator A book of the seven seals
John the Revelator, great advocator Get's 'em on the battle of Zion Lord, tellin' the story, risin' in glory Cried, "Lord, don't you love some I" [Repeat verses 4 & 5]
Well Moses to Moses, watchin' the flock Saw the bush where they had to stop God told Moses, "Pull off your shoes" Out of the flock, a-well-a you I choose [Repeat verses 4 & 5]
These are the lyrics for Son House's 1965 recording version.
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
God walked down in the cool of the day Called Adam by his name But he refused to answer Because he's naked and ashamed [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Christ had twelve apostles And three he led away He said, "Walk with me while I walk, 'til I go yon and pray." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
[call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Christ came on Easter morning Mary and Martha were down to see He said, "Go tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee." [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals [call] Well who's that a-writin'? [response] John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator Who's that a-writin'? John the Revelator A book of the seven seals
Revelations Chapter 1, versus 1-3, King James Version
(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: (2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (3) Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.
This is an old joke, I have posted it before. Because it is a good one too, I'll post it again. I hope it makes you laugh.
How To Sing the Blues
1. Most Blues begin "woke up this morning."
2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, unless you stick something nasty in right away: I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town.
3. Blues are simple. After you have the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes. Sort of.
I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. She got teeth like Condoleeza Rice and she weighs 500 pounds.
4. The Blues are not about limitless choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch; ain't no way out.
5. Blues cars are Chevies, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Other acceptable Blues transportation modes include Greyhound buses and southbound trains. Walkin' plays a major part in the Blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or SUVs. Jet aircraft and state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running.
6. Adults sing the Blues. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. In the Blues, "adulthood" means old enough to get the electric chair when you shoot that man in Memphis.
7. You can have the Blues in New York City, but not in Brooklyn or Queens. Hard times in Vermont, Tucson, or North Dakota are just depression. The best places to have the Blues are still Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and New Orleans. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.
8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg while skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg when your broken-down pickup truck rolled over on it is.
9. The following colors do not belong in the Blues: violet, beige, mauve (unless you're truly desperate for a rhyme).
9. You can't have the Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is just plain wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.
10. Good places to have the Blues: the highway, a jailhouse, an empty bed, the bottom of a whiskey glass. Bad places to have the Blues: ashrams, gallery openings, weekends in the Hamptons, golf courses, Tiffany's, and Ivy League institutions.
11. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, unless you happen to be an old black man-and it's an old black suit.
12. Do you have the right to sing the Blues?
Answer "Yes" if:
a. your first name is a southern state-like Georgia b. you're blind c. you shot a man in Memphis. d. you can't be satisfied. e. you're older than dirt
Answer "No" if:
a. you once were blind but now can see. b. you're deaf c. the man in Memphis lived. d. you have a trust fund or an IRA. e. you have all your teeth f. you were once blind but now can see
13. Blues is not about color, it's about bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues; Gary Coleman could. Ugly old white people got a leg up on the blues. Julio Iglesias and Barbra Streisand will never sing the Blues.
14. If you ask for water and baby gives you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are: wine, whiskey, muddy water, beer, black coffee.
Blues beverages are NOT: mixed drinks, kosher wine, sparkling water, Snapple, Starbucks Frappuccino, or Slim Fast. Although Rubber Biscuits and the Wish Sandwich are famous blues snacks, better stick to common blues grub like Greasy Bar-b-que, Fatback and beans, and Government cheeze.
Blues food is never: Club sandwich, Sushi, or Crème brule.
15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is a Blues death. So is substance abuse, the electric chair, or being denied treatment in an emergency room. It is not a Blues death to die during liposuction or from tennis elbow.
16. Excellent names for female Blues singers: Sadie, Big Momma, Bessie, or Fat River Dumpling. Excellent names for male Blues singers: Willie, Joe, Little Willie, Lightning, or Big Willie.
Singers with names like Muffy, Sierra, Auburn, Alexis, Gwenyth, Sequoiz, Brittany or Rainbow are not permitted to sing the Blues, no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.
17. The Build Your Own Blues Singer Name Starter Kit:
a. Name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, Asthmatic) b. First name (from above lists) or name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi) c. Last name of a U. S. president (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.)
Examples: Blind Lime Jefferson, Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Okay, maybe not "Kiwi".)
18. I don't care how tragic your life; if you own a computer, you cannot sing the Blues. You'd best destroy it. Fire, a spilled bottle of Mad Dog, or shotgun. Maybe your big ass woman just done sit on it. I don't care
19. Hey there, you can READ! This too be a big ol' problem. Most folks singin' the Blues ain't never had much a chance for education. In the Blues. the three R's stand for Railroads, Runnin' and Rehab.
20. It gots to be dark to sing the blues, preferably after midnight. Singin' da blues at noon is forbidden.
21. If none of the above works, try one last, pathetic stab at authenticity: name your guitar. Remember, Lucille is taken.
22. Epitaph on a blues musician's tombstone: "I didn't wake up this morning"
I have seen this floating around on the internet for some time now, and have even recieved it in my emial inbox a couple of times. It is an old joke and a good one too. I hope it makes you laugh.
How To Sing the Blues
1. Most Blues begin "woke up this morning."
2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, unless you stick something nasty in right away: I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town.
3. Blues are simple. After you have the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes. Sort of.
I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. She got teeth like Condoleeza Rice and she weighs 500 pounds.
4. The Blues are not about limitless choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch; ain't no way out.
5. Blues cars are Chevies, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Other acceptable Blues transportation modes include Greyhound buses and southbound trains. Walkin' plays a major part in the Blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or SUVs. Jet aircraft and state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running.
6. Adults sing the Blues. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. In the Blues, "adulthood" means old enough to get the electric chair when you shoot that man in Memphis.
7. You can have the Blues in New York City, but not in Brooklyn or Queens. Hard times in Vermont, Tucson, or North Dakota are just depression. The best places to have the Blues are still Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and New Orleans. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.
8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg while skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg when your broken-down pickup truck rolled over on it is.
9. The following colors do not belong in the Blues: violet, beige, mauve (unless you're truly desperate for a rhyme).
9. You can't have the Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is just plain wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.
10. Good places to have the Blues: the highway, a jailhouse, an empty bed, the bottom of a whiskey glass. Bad places to have the Blues: ashrams, gallery openings, weekends in the Hamptons, golf courses, Tiffany's, and Ivy League institutions.
11. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, unless you happen to be an old black man-and it's an old black suit.
12. Do you have the right to sing the Blues?
Answer "Yes" if:
a. your first name is a southern state-like Georgia b. you're blind c. you shot a man in Memphis. d. you can't be satisfied. e. you're older than dirt
Answer "No" if:
a. you once were blind but now can see. b. you're deaf c. the man in Memphis lived. d. you have a trust fund or an IRA. e. you have all your teeth f. you were once blind but now can see
13. Blues is not about color, it's about bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues; Gary Coleman could. Ugly old white people got a leg up on the blues. Julio Iglesias and Barbra Streisand will never sing the Blues.
14. If you ask for water and baby gives you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are: wine, whiskey, muddy water, beer, black coffee.
Blues beverages are NOT: mixed drinks, kosher wine, sparkling water, Snapple, Starbucks Frappuccino, or Slim Fast. Although Rubber Biscuits and the Wish Sandwich are famous blues snacks, better stick to common blues grub like Greasy Bar-b-que, Fatback and beans, and Government cheeze.
Blues food is never: Club sandwich, Sushi, or Crème brule.
15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is a Blues death. So is substance abuse, the electric chair, or being denied treatment in an emergency room. It is not a Blues death to die during liposuction or from tennis elbow.
16. Excellent names for female Blues singers: Sadie, Big Momma, Bessie, or Fat River Dumpling. Excellent names for male Blues singers: Willie, Joe, Little Willie, Lightning, or Big Willie.
Singers with names like Muffy, Sierra, Auburn, Alexis, Gwenyth, Sequoiz, Brittany or Rainbow are not permitted to sing the Blues, no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.
17. The Build Your Own Blues Singer Name Starter Kit:
a. Name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, Asthmatic) b. First name (from above lists) or name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi) c. Last name of a U. S. president (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.)
Examples: Blind Lime Jefferson, Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Okay, maybe not "Kiwi".)
18. I don't care how tragic your life; if you own a computer, you cannot sing the Blues. You'd best destroy it. Fire, a spilled bottle of Mad Dog, or shotgun. Maybe your big ass woman just done sit on it. I don't care
19. Hey there, you can READ! This too be a big ol' problem. Most folks singin' the Blues ain't never had much a chance for education. In the Blues. the three R's stand for Railroads, Runnin' and Rehab.
20. It gots to be dark to sing the blues, preferably after midnight. Singin' da blues at noon is forbidden.
21. If none of the above works, try one last, pathetic stab at authenticity: name your guitar. Remember, Lucille is taken.
22. Epitaph on a blues musician's tombstone: "I didn't wake up this morning"
I have seen this floating around on the internet for some time now, and have even recieved it in my emial inbox a couple of times. It is an old joke and a good one too. I hope it makes you laugh.
How To Sing the Blues
1. Most Blues begin "woke up this morning."
2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, unless you stick something nasty in right away: I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town.
3. Blues are simple. After you have the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes. Sort of.
I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. I got a good woman-with the meanest face in town. She got teeth like Condoleeza Rice and she weighs 500 pounds.
4. The Blues are not about limitless choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch; ain't no way out.
5. Blues cars are Chevies, Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Other acceptable Blues transportation modes include Greyhound buses and southbound trains. Walkin' plays a major part in the Blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or SUVs. Jet aircraft and state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running.
6. Adults sing the Blues. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. In the Blues, "adulthood" means old enough to get the electric chair when you shoot that man in Memphis.
7. You can have the Blues in New York City, but not in Brooklyn or Queens. Hard times in Vermont, Tucson, or North Dakota are just depression. The best places to have the Blues are still Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and New Orleans. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain.
8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg while skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg when your broken-down pickup truck rolled over on it is.
9. The following colors do not belong in the Blues: violet, beige, mauve (unless you're truly desperate for a rhyme).
9. You can't have the Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is just plain wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster.
10. Good places to have the Blues: the highway, a jailhouse, an empty bed, the bottom of a whiskey glass. Bad places to have the Blues: ashrams, gallery openings, weekends in the Hamptons, golf courses, Tiffany's, and Ivy League institutions.
11. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, unless you happen to be an old black man-and it's an old black suit.
12. Do you have the right to sing the Blues?
Answer "Yes" if:
a. your first name is a southern state-like Georgia b. you're blind c. you shot a man in Memphis. d. you can't be satisfied. e. you're older than dirt
Answer "No" if:
a. you once were blind but now can see. b. you're deaf c. the man in Memphis lived. d. you have a trust fund or an IRA. e. you have all your teeth f. you were once blind but now can see
13. Blues is not about color, it's about bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues; Gary Coleman could. Ugly old white people got a leg up on the blues. Julio Iglesias and Barbra Streisand will never sing the Blues.
14. If you ask for water and baby gives you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are: wine, whiskey, muddy water, beer, black coffee.
Blues beverages are NOT: mixed drinks, kosher wine, sparkling water, Snapple, Starbucks Frappuccino, or Slim Fast. Although Rubber Biscuits and the Wish Sandwich are famous blues snacks, better stick to common blues grub like Greasy Bar-b-que, Fatback and beans, and Government cheeze.
Blues food is never: Club sandwich, Sushi, or Crème brule.
15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is a Blues death. So is substance abuse, the electric chair, or being denied treatment in an emergency room. It is not a Blues death to die during liposuction or from tennis elbow.
16. Excellent names for female Blues singers: Sadie, Big Momma, Bessie, or Fat River Dumpling. Excellent names for male Blues singers: Willie, Joe, Little Willie, Lightning, or Big Willie.
Singers with names like Muffy, Sierra, Auburn, Alexis, Gwenyth, Sequoiz, Brittany or Rainbow are not permitted to sing the Blues, no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.
17. The Build Your Own Blues Singer Name Starter Kit:
a. Name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, Asthmatic) b. First name (from above lists) or name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi) c. Last name of a U. S. president (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.)
Examples: Blind Lime Jefferson, Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Okay, maybe not "Kiwi".)
18. I don't care how tragic your life; if you own a computer, you cannot sing the Blues. You'd best destroy it. Fire, a spilled bottle of Mad Dog, or shotgun. Maybe your big ass woman just done sit on it. I don't care
19. Hey there, you can READ! This too be a big ol' problem. Most folks singin' the Blues ain't never had much a chance for education. In the Blues. the three R's stand for Railroads, Runnin' and Rehab.
20. It gots to be dark to sing the blues, preferably after midnight. Singin' da blues at noon is forbidden.
21. If none of the above works, try one last, pathetic stab at authenticity: name your guitar. Remember, Lucille is taken.
22. Epitaph on a blues musician's tombstone: "I didn't wake up this morning"
I started playing in the mid 1970's. I was born in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1962. When I was six or so my family moved to Davenport, Iowa. That's where I grew up, mostly. None of the other kids at school were into what I was; you may remember this was the era of disco and heavy metal, nobody I knew was really into blues or folk music. I was always fascinated by acoustic finger-style guitar. I just loved the sound of it! Artists such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and especially Leo Kottke and John Fahey fuelled my interest in early blues, ragtime, and all kinds of roots music styles. When I discovered Son House, Blind Willie Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Blake, Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Barbecue Bob, Charlie Patton, Bukka White and so many others, a great treasure trove of music was revealed... and I just went deeper and deeper into it. It is still very exciting to me how so much music and quirky, individual, improvisational delight can be made in the hands, voice and heart of one person.
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