Blues You Should Know
The purpose of this podcast will be to pull your coats to some of the influential and notable blues artists who have contributed mightily to our genre. I won’t be talking about the folks you probably already know about: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, BB King and the like, instead we’ll explore the lives and music of some of the greats who have either become forgotten or perhaps never quite made the “A list.”. The blues has a deep and rich history and the more you broaden your listening scope the more you’ll appreciate and understand this music we all love so much.
Blues You Should Know
John Henry & the Cocaine Blues
January 12, 2021
•
Bob Frank
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
Here's a look at American music's ultimate crossover song: John Henry. To African-Americans he was a symbol of racial pride; to unionists, he represented the power of the American worker and union solidarity; to poor whites; he was personification of rugged Americanism, and to Christians; a Christ-like figure who died for our sins. And, as a bonus, a look at two versions of one of the oddest songs in blues and folk music, the Cocaine Blues.
