“Cross Cut Saw” – Albert King (Stax, 1966)

2018-04-17T18:45:18+00:00March 6th, 2018|

“Cross Cut Saw,” one of Albert King’s early chart hits, was a song with a complicated evolution. Originally a downhome Delta blues recorded in 1941 by Tony Hollins and Tommy McClennan, it was later recorded [...]

“I’m a Man” – Bo Diddley (Checker, 1955)

2018-04-17T18:48:40+00:00March 6th, 2018|

“I’m a Man,” the first song recorded by Bo Diddley in 1955, became the flip side of his debut single, the eponymous “Bo Diddley,” which was selected as a Blues Hall of Fame classic in [...]

“Roll ’Em Pete” – Joe Turner (Vocalion, 1938)

2018-03-06T18:21:51+00:00March 6th, 2018|

The exuberant “Roll ’Em Pete” was the first studio recording of Big Joe Turner’s powerful pipes and Pete Johnson’s rollicking boogie-woogie piano. Recorded in New York City on December 30, 1938, a week after the [...]

“See See Rider Blues” – Ma Rainey (Paramount, 1924)

2018-03-06T18:17:02+00:00March 6th, 2018|

The original rendition of “See See Rider,” which became a standard recorded by countless artists in many genres, was a low-moaning version by the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey, in October 1924 in New [...]

“Bo Diddley” – Bo Diddley (Checker, 1955)

2017-04-21T17:43:52+00:00April 21st, 2017|

“Bo Diddley” was not only the 1955 hit record that made Ellas McDaniel famous – it also gave him his professional name. The famed “Bo Diddley beat,” an energized update of the old “Hambone” rhythm, [...]

“Hi-Heel Sneakers” – Tommy Tucker (Chess, 1963)

2017-04-21T17:42:34+00:00April 21st, 2017|

“Hi-Heel Sneakers” by Tommy Tucker was the last blues record from the mighty Chess Records catalogue to hit No. 1 on the charts. Recorded in New York in 1963, the single on Chess’ Checker subsidiary [...]

“I Ain’t Superstitious” – Howlin’ Wolf (Chess, 1961)

2017-04-21T17:41:36+00:00April 21st, 2017|

“I Ain’t Superstitious,” an ominous Willie Dixon composition recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961, is best known to rock audiences through the Jeff Beck Group’s 1968 cover version featuring Rod Stewart on vocals. On the [...]

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