Blues You Should Know

John Henry & the Cocaine Blues

January 12, 2021 Bob Frank Season 2 Episode 1
John Henry & the Cocaine Blues
Blues You Should Know
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Blues You Should Know
John Henry & the Cocaine Blues
Jan 12, 2021 Season 2 Episode 1
Bob Frank

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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. 

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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. 

Support the show

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