Rock Blues Songs (Part One)

A song often of lamentation characterized by usually 12-bar phrases, 3-line stanzas in which the words of the second line usually repeat those of the first, and continual occurrence of blue notes in melody and harmony. – Merriam-Webster

Rock musicians have long been influenced by blues artists recording from the 20s through the 60s. In these posts, I’ll investigate some of my favorite tunes. They were famously covered, the licks got borrowed, or they schooled the rockers in style and attitude. Many of the most influential blues songs reverberate to this day.

When The Levee Breaks

“When the Levee Breaks” is a blues song written by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929, inspired by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927[1]. The song describes the devastation caused by the flood and the resulting displacement of people. It was later famously adapted by Led Zeppelin for their 1971 album, “Led Zeppelin IV.” This version features a distinctive heavy drum beat by John Bonham, which has become one of the most sampled in music history. The adaptation also includes wailing harmonica and slide guitar, creating a powerful, immersive sound that complements the song’s themes of natural disaster and human resilience .

Dazed and Confused

“Dazed and Confused” is a blues-rock song famously performed by Led Zeppelin, first appearing on their 1969 debut album. The song was originally written and recorded by Jake Holmes in 1967. Although some concluded that it was about a bad acid trip, Holmes insists the lyrics refer to the effects of a girl’s indecision on ending a relationship.

Jake Holmes began his music career in the early 1960s, and recorded and performed with several different groups. He was influenced by psychedelic rock and groups such as the Byrds and the Blues Project, and wrote “Dazed and Confused” in a similar style with a blues influence.

Holmes attempted to contact Page in the 1980s regarding the songwriting credit, but received no response. In 2010, Holmes filed a lawsuit and the matter was settled out of court, with the credit on Led Zeppelin releases being changed to “Jimmy Page, inspired by Jake Holmes”. Led Zeppelin’s version, however, became the definitive rendition,

featuring Jimmy Page’s haunting guitar riffs, John Paul Jones’ eerie bass line, Robert Plant’s wailing vocals, and John Bonham’s powerful drumming. The track is notable for its experimental use of a bowed guitar and extended live performances that often included improvisational sections. “Dazed and Confused” is a quintessential example of Led Zeppelin’s early heavy blues sound and has become one of their most iconic songs.

Eyesight to the Blind

“Eyesight to the Blind” is a blues song written by Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) in 1951. The song is a classic example of Williamson’s harmonica prowess and expressive vocal style. Its lyrics tell the story of a woman’s captivating beauty that seemingly has the power to cure blindness.

In the 1975 movie, Tommy, Eric Clapton and Arthur Brown perform “Eyesight to the Blind”.

The song gained additional fame when The Who included a version in their 1969 rock opera “Tommy,” where it was reinterpreted with a rock edge and renamed “Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker).” This adaptation helped introduce the song to a broader audience and showcased the enduring influence of Williamson’s original blues composition.

Crossroads

“Crossroads” is a legendary blues song written and recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. The song, also known as “Cross Road Blues,” tells the story of a man standing at a crossroads, pleading for divine mercy. It has become entwined with the myth that Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his musical talent.

The song’s haunting lyrics and Johnson’s intricate guitar work have made it a cornerstone of the blues genre. “Crossroads” was famously covered by Cream in 1968, with Eric Clapton’s electrifying guitar solos bringing the song to a rock audience and solidifying its place in music history. Cream’s version, recorded live, showcases the band’s virtuosic performance and has become one of the most celebrated blues-rock tracks.

Baby Please Don’t Go

“Baby, Please Don’t Go” is a blues standard originally recorded by Delta blues musician[2] Big Joe Williams in 1935. The song features Williams’ distinctive nine-string guitar and heartfelt, plaintive vocals pleading for his lover not to leave. Over the years, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” has been covered by numerous artists

across various genres, including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Them featuring Van Morrison, whose 1964 rendition became a significant hit. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its raw emotional power and simple yet compelling chord progression, making it a timeless piece in the blues repertoire.

The Seventh Son

“The Seventh Son” is a classic blues song written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Willie Mabon in 1955. The song taps into folklore about the mystical powers of the seventh son[3], blending Dixon’s clever lyrics with a catchy, rolling piano line and a driving rhythm. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including jazz pianist Mose Allison in 1959,

whose version brought the song to a wider audience with its jazz inflections. Another notable cover is by Johnny Rivers, who recorded a rock-influenced rendition in 1965 that became a hit and further popularized the song. The enduring appeal of “The Seventh Son” lies in its infectious melody and its intriguing lyrical theme, which ties into the rich tradition of blues storytelling.

Bonus Videos

Footnotes
  1. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history, affecting over 27,000 square miles across seven states from Illinois to Louisiana. The flood displaced around 637,000 people, particularly impacting African American communities in the Mississippi Delta, and caused immense economic and social upheaval. The floodwaters breached levees, submerging entire towns and farmlands, leading to significant loss of life and property. This disaster prompted major federal intervention in flood control policies, including the Flood Control Act of 1928, which authorized the construction of new levees and other infrastructure to prevent future floods. [Back]
  2. Delta blues musicians were pivotal in shaping the blues genre, originating in the Mississippi Delta region in the early 20th century. These artists, often drawing from African American spirituals, work songs, and field hollers, created a raw, emotive style characterized by slide guitar and deeply expressive vocals. Key figures include Robert Johnson, known for his haunting recordings and legendary life; Charley Patton, regarded as the “Father of the Delta Blues”; Son House, with his powerful, sermon-like singing and bottleneck guitar; and Muddy Waters, who later helped electrify the blues, leading to the Chicago blues sound. Their music laid the groundwork for modern blues and rock and roll, profoundly influencing countless musicians and the course of American music. [Back]
  3. The mystical powers of the seventh son derive from a widespread folk belief that the seventh son of a seventh son possesses extraordinary abilities, such as healing, prophecy, and other supernatural talents. This folklore is prevalent in various cultures, including European, Latin American, and African traditions. In the United States, the legend was popularized through blues music and folklore, often portraying the seventh son as a figure with special insight and abilities. The belief has been referenced in literature, music, and popular culture, highlighting themes of magic and unique destiny associated with the seventh son’s birth order. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources

Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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