Blue Monday
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The gospel "call and response" song "John the Revelator" was first committed to 78rpm shellac by Blind Willie Johnson and his wife Willie B Harris in 1930, although it's likely to be much older than that in both melody and basic concept. It references the writing f the Book of seven Seals (i.e. Revelations) by John of Patmos, known in the King James Version as St John the Divine. It has been recorded many times since. This unaccompanied cut is by Eddie James "Son" House (1902-88). whose career predated that of Robert johnson, but was still performing in the era of colour TV.
He was about 63 when he cut this, and in my view he brings a certain worldly maturity to the Biblical lyric, which references the Fall of Man, Christ in the garden, and the Resurrection. What do you think?
Comments (5)
A gem!
I got this on a MOJO compilation a few years ago and was blown away. Truly awesome.
It's amazing how Son is almost compelled to clap..nice one.
Great post.
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