Browsing: A brief history of a song

Little Walter was the landmark harmonica player with a wild reputation and a pioneering harmonica sound that was as untouchable in the 1950s as it is today. One song in particular has withstood the test of time.

A widely famous song dating to an epic flood in the 1920s has continued to weave into popular culture, solidifying it’s place in music history thanks to one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.

Though the song has been featured in dozens of movies, it’s lyrics continue to be somewhat of a mystery. The song, like so many traditional folk songs, has a long and storied history, winding from rushed phonetic translation in New Orleans to a misheard title in Chess Records and far beyond and before.

“I believe I’ll dust my broom”, as both a phrase and a song, has been a blues staple for 75 years. Versions of the song’s melody and phrase “I believe I’ll” have been around even longer. Learn about the iconic tune!

The House of the Rising Sun may evoke memories of The Animals, but the song has a hidden & shockingly broad history, spanning every folk-inspired corner of the U.S. & dating back nearly 100 years.

Recently, the phrase “Good Night Irene” has been scrawled across the internet and the east coast of the United States as residents cautiously wait for the impending hurricane. The phrase has it’s roots in a blues standard.

Robert Johnson’s famous “Stop Breakin’ Down” has been recorded by Clapton, the Stones, the White Stripes & Junior Wells, it’s seen it’s day in court and, over 70 years, has become a landmark blues song.

Versions of the song “Stagger Lee” have been recorded over 400 times! But who was Stagger Lee? Did he run with Jesse James? What was so magical about his Stetson hat?

“Catfish Blues” is a persistent song. It’s been sang countless times and borrowed from by the likes of Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix. Look at the history behind the iconic song and it’s progression through music.