Release Date: 1990.
Recording Time: 42 minutes.
Recording Date: 1927-1937.
Release Info: CD, Compilation, Yazoo – 1073.
Robert Johnson's small body of recordings have become almost larger than life. Many novice listeners probably think the Delta blues began and ended with him. This 14-song collection traces the origins of Johnson's music, uncovering the roots of his tormented, anguished lyrics, and the origins of his wildly influential guitar style. Some of the finest songs by luminaries like Skip James, Charley Patton, Son House, Kokomo Arnold, and Lonnie Johnson are included. It's not only of use for Johnson archivists but for anyone interested in the greatest pre-war Delta blues. ~ Bruce Boyd Raeburn
Credits: Cover, Artwork – Malcolm Kirton; Liner Notes – Stephen Calt; Mastered By, Producer – Nick Perls.
Personnel: Skip James - Vocals, Guitar; Kokomo Arnold - Vocals, Guitar; Scrapper Blackwell - Guitar, Vocals; Leroy Carr - Vocals, Piano; Son House - Vocals, Slide Guitar, Guitar; Lonnie Johnson - Vocals, Guitar; Henry Thomas - Vocals, Guitar, Panpipes (Quills); Charlie Patton - Vocals, Guitar; Hambone Willie Newbern - Vocals, Guitar; Unknown Artist - Guitar; The Mississippi Sheiks - Performer, Primary Artist; Casey Bill Weldon - Slide Guitar; Charlie McCoy - Guitar; Johnnie Temple - Vocals, Guitar.
Tracklist:
- 01. Skip James - Devil Got My Woman
- 02. Kokomo Arnold - Milk Cow Blues
- 03. Leroy Carr - When The Sun Goes Down
- 04. Son House - My Black Mama Part 1
- 05. Charlie Patton - Revenue Man Blues
- 06. Henry Thomas - Red River Blues
- 07. Hambone Willie Newbern - Roll And Tumble Blues
- 08. Lonnie Johnson - Life Saver Blues
- 09. Skip James - 22-20 Blues
- 10. Scrapper Blackwell - Kokomo Blues
- 11. The Mississippi Sheiks - Sitting On Top Of The World
- 12. Son House - Preachin' The Blues Part 1
- 13. Casey Bill Weldon - Go Ahead Buddy
- 14. Johnnie Temple - Lead Pencil Blues
1. 1931; 2. 1934; 3. 1935; 4. 1930; 5. 1934; 6. 1927; 7. 1929; 8. 1927; 9. 1931; 10. 1928; 11. 1930; 12. 1930; 13. 1937; 14. 1935.
"We wish to thank Don Kent, Bernard Klatzko, and Nick Perls for the loan of their rare originals.."
(1990 Yazoo Records)