Wynonie Harris> Good Rocking Tonight
Composed by Roy Brown
In the second half of the 20th century, this title was probably more famous than the actual song. But it was a genuine hit many times over, for Wynonie, its composer, and most famous of all, for Elvis.
Led Zeppelin > I Can’t Quit You Baby
Composed by Otis Rush
I’m not sure that a Led Zep Otis Rush cover would qualify to anyone else as a ballad or even a classic rock power ballad. But, it’s my blog, and I’ll cry if I want to.
Ballads Week #4
Legends of Rock #14
Legends of the Guitar #12
Ballad #33
Cover #48
B.B. King > The Thrill is Gone
Composed by Rick Darnell & Roy Hawkins
A true classic.
This song has been so popped that it’s roots as a real blues (from 1951) have been completely obscured. It was also B.B.’s entré to the pop world of TV and Las Vegas. But, that’s OK, B. hits it out of the park again.
Kings of the Blues Week #5
Legends of the Blues #4
Legends of the Guitar #9
Cover #37
Ballad #18
Albert King > Oh, Pretty Woman
Composed by Gary Moore & Albert King
It’s not the Roy Orbison tune that Van Halen covered. It’s easily its equal.
Kings of the Blues Week #4
Legends of the Blues #5
Legends of the Guitar #10
Freddie King > The Stumble
Composed by Freddie King
OK, this track isn’t only by one of the Kings of the Blues but, for those so minded, it’s even on King Records (well, technically, its subsidiary Federal).
Kings of the Blues Week #3
Legends of the Blues #6
Legends of the Guitar #11
Albert King > Born Under A Bad Sign
Composed by William Bell & Booker T. Jones
I suppose in the end I’m a bit more of a soul man than a bluesman, but this one hits both buttons. And the pop one.
Kings of the Blues Week #2
Legends of the Blues #5
Legends of the Guitar #10
B.B. King > Everyday I Have The Blues
Composed by Peter Chatman (aka Memphis Slim)
The greatest live album. Ever.
Kings of the Blues Week #1
Legends of the Blues #4
Legends of the Guitar #9
Johnny Winter And > Rock ‘N’ Roll Hoochie Koo
Composed by Rick Derringer
The hoochiest of them all, in the alternative.
Hoochie Week #5
Legends of the Guitar #7
Covers #25
Etta James > Hoochie Coochie Gal
Composed by Willie Dixon
Given all the rude, sexist, interpretations of “hoochie,” leave it to Etta James to prove that it’s no longer only a man’s world.
Hoochie Week #4
Legends of the Blues #3
Legends of Soul #14
Covers #24
Jimmy Smith > I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Composed by Willie Dixon
For the life of me I can’t figure out why it was necessary for Jimmy Smith to sing, but hey, I’m no organ genius either.
Hoochie Week #3
Legends of the Organ #2
Covers #23
