Jim tells us that this week he wants music by the “Died At The Age of 27” club. I found a list of some of the more prominent names, and two stood out to me.
One was Robert Johnson. He spent practically his entire life in the Mississippi Delta and influenced a number of blues players, most notably Muddy Waters, who covered a few of his songs. Everything Johnson recorded was captured in two recording sessions, one in San Antonio and the other in Dallas in 1936 and 1937. He died in 1938 at the age of 27. Soon after, John Hammond from Columbia Records and musicologist Alan Lomax tried to contact, a little too late.
“Cross Road Blues” was released in 1937 as Vocalion Records #03519.
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above “Have mercy, now save poor Bob, if you please”
Yeoo, standin’ at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Ooo eee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn’t nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by
Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, risin’ sun goin’ down
Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, eee, eee, risin’ sun goin’ down
I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin’ down
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown1
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown1
That I got the crossroad blues this mornin’, Lord, babe, I’m sinkin’ down
And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked east and west
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked east and west
Lord, I didn’t have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress
Source: AZLyrics
The second was Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson, from the blues and rock band Canned Heat. He was one of the founding members of the band, along with Bob “The Bear” Hite. He was found dead in September 1970 of “acute barbiturate poisoning,” though they didn’t know whether it was intentional or accidental: they found no note and he had several more pills in his pocket.
“On The Road Again” was released in 1968 from their second album, Boogie With Canned Heat. It reached #16 in the US and #8 in the UK and Canada.
Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road again
Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road again
I ain’t got no woman
Just to call my special friend
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
I didn’t have no payroll
Not even no place to go
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
She said, “Lord, have mercy
On my wicked son.”
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more
‘Cause it’s soon one morning
Down the road I’m going
But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
I can’t carry you, baby
Gonna carry somebody else
Source: AZLyrics
That’s Song Lyric Sunday (and Song of the Day) for October 2, 2022.
The Sound of One Hand Typing 
I always learn about an artist I was not familiar with when i read your posts! Thanks for Robert Johnson ☺️
I’ve always loved that Canned Heat song so thanks for that too John.
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Two songs I love! Canned heat and remember playing the Vintage album a lot when I was younger. And I always loved Cream’s version of Crossroads — although a lot of folks have played that song, that raw Delta blues version of Johnson is amazing.
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Canned Heat was a fantastic blues band, later mixing in rock while staying true to their roots. And there’s not much you can say about Robert Johnson that hasn’t already been said. Glad you liked the picks!
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These are great choices! I loved both…so different yet from the same type of style..kind of…lol. They both died way too young.
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Robert Johnson was one o Blind Owl’s heroes, so they are going to sound similar. Glad you liked these!
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Wow! Excellent choices!
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Thanks!
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Welcome!
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Excellent choices! Thanks for sharing
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Glad you like ’em!
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Two great songs today John from two unforgettable artists.
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Glad you like them!
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great shares
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Glad you like them! They’re a couple of my faves….
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I’m surprised Robert Johnson died so young. He always struck me to be an old soul. What a legacy to leave at such a young age.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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I thought the same when I heard what an influence he was on Muddy Waters. Turns out Robert was just a couple of years younger.
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