Blind Lemon Jefferson – Matchbox Blues
Within a brief span of life , Lemon Henry Jefferson , also known as Blind Lemon Jefferson , created an enduring and lasting imprint on the evolution of blues . His standout , wailing , high-pitched vocal style and intricate guitar picking was exemplified in “ Matchbox Blues ”, and it significantly influenced artists such as Robert Plant . Three different versions of this specific tune were recorded by him back in 1927 , wherein the title was picked up from a line in Ma Rainey ’ s song , “ Lost Wandering Blues ”. This led Carl Perkins to adapt the song to create another new number , “ Matchbox ”, which then became famously covered by The Beatles !
Muddy Waters – Got My Mojo Working
“ Got My Mojo Working ” is a standout classic and a prominent blues track of its time . Perfectly capturing the essence of blues with a hint of mystery and style , this song has immense universal appeal and is clearly popular among countless garage bands because it feels great to play . Featuring a 1-4-5 progression , playing the song inevitably involves a bit of strutting . A venture into voodoothemed songs , this style became more of a signature for Muddy Waters , even though the band had a notable hit on similar lines , “ Hoochie Coochie Man .”
Howlin ’ Wolf – Evil
Talking of the origins of Heavy Metal and accrediting Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath for its foundation is pointless because , as far as people are concerned , Howlin ’ Wolf did it back in 1954 . The song ‘ Evil ’ can be classified as ‘ slow blues ’ but its impact stems from the way the band relentlessly attacks and the ominous quality in Wolf ’ s vocals . One of Howlin Wolf ’ s best works , the song also complements the Electric Chicago Blues style . Even without having received an iconic rock ’ n ’ roll cover , the tough-hitting heavy rock would be nowhere without it .
Big Joe Williams – Baby Please Don ’ t Go
Famous for playing his unique ninestring guitar , he recorded the song ‘ Baby Please Don ’ t Go ’ in 1935 under the name Joe Williams ’ Washboard Blue Singers . This became one of the most popular blues tracks ever , a smooth number where Williams sang and played the guitar . Muddy Waters and Lightin Hopkins were among the many others ( 36 times over 30 years by the 1960s ) who recorded their versions of this fantastic track .
Freddy King – I ’ m Tore Down
This is a highly rhythmic , upbeat number from Freddy King , whose distinctive style intertwines gritty , electric Chicago-style music and a smooth blues tune . The song in King ’ s soulful voice makes people tap their heels and dance in the nutty , gritty , highpitched , bluesy tones .
Jimi Hendrix – Voodoo Chile
Easily recognisable amongst those who appreciate the Muddy Water and Howlin ’ Wolf , the occasional tendency to engage in self-glorification with supernatural elements is quite evident . Hendrix ’ s 15-minute blockbuster “ Voodoo Chile ” describes Jimi as a mystical child with powers beyond imagination ! One of his signature tunes , Voodoo Chile , epitomises the blues tradition of gulping and chopping older tunes into new songs .
Otis Rush – I Can ’ t Quit You Baby
The song trickles down to the emotional aspect of Rush ’ s circumstances at that time . It is a beautiful ballad-like blues number where the artist cannot turn his face from the woman he loves but has to ‘ put her down ’ to focus on his family , especially his son , whom he ’ s been abandoning . A heartfelt song , truly a classic , one that even the great Led Zeppelin covered .
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
41