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Aug 24, 2023 · The song “Viola Lee Blues” holds a special place in American folk and blues history. Originally recorded in 1928 by Cannon’s Jug Stompers, this influential track tells a story of love, loss, and the realities of life during that time.
A few songs Cannon recorded with the Jug Stompers are "Minglewood Blues," "Pig Ankle Strut," "Wolf River Blues," "Viola Lee Blues," "White House Station," and "Walk Right In" (a pop hit for The Rooftop Singers in the 1960s and for Dr. Hook in the 1970s). By the end of the 1930s, Cannon had effectively retired, although he occasionally performed ...
Jan 5, 2024 · “Viola Lee Blues” was not an original composition by The Grateful Dead but was originally recorded by Gus Cannon’s Jug Band in 1928. The Dead first started playing it, along with other Gus Cannon tunes, during their Acid Tests performance. This connection to the roots of blues and early American folk music adds another layer of meaning to the song.
- Janet Matthews
8 Gus Cannon - Viola Lee Blues, 1928 - YouTube. 10Gems - Music Library. 2.28K subscribers. 7 views 1 day ago. ...more. Blues, Roots, Delta-Blues, Folk, Folk-Blues, Traditional,...
- 3 min
- 10Gems - Music Library
“Viola Lee Blues” was written by Noah Lewis and originally released by Gus Cannon (with Lewis on harmonica) way back on September 20, 1928. Little did they know that in less than forty years, their country-blues song would be performed as a powerhouse psychedelic trip into another world.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere. (1) Gus Cannon's version sounds like "The judge he pleaded" but I think the Dead sing "decreed it" (2) it's not clear whether it's "If you miss jail sinner" or "If you miss jail sentence."
