What are blues standards?

Blues standards are blues songs that have achieved a high level of recognition due to being widely performed and recorded. They represent the most well-known and interpreted blues songs that have demonstrated enduring appeal over time.

From which eras and styles do blues standards originate?

Blues standards come from a variety of eras and styles within blues music. These include ragtime-vaudeville, Delta blues, country blues, and urban blues from regions like Chicago and the West Coast.

What is the origin of many blues standards in terms of songwriting?

Many blues songs originated within American folk music traditions, and in some cases, the individual songwriters are not identified. This often means the songs have been passed down through generations before being formally recorded.

How does oral tradition affect the attribution of older blues songs?

For very old blues songs, oral tradition plays a significant role, as tunes and lyrics were conveyed and evolved over decades before the first recordings. This can lead to artists like Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Blind Blake being credited because they were the first to record the songs, rather than necessarily being the original composers.

What is the significance of the pre-World War II era for blues standards?

A notable portion of blues standards, nearly half of those listed, were first recorded during the pre-World War II acoustic blues era. This period predates the widespread tracking of blues record sales by music publications.

How do modern renditions of blues standards often differ from their original recordings in terms of instrumentation?

While early recordings of many blues standards, such as those by Robert Johnson and Tampa Red, were acoustic, more popular modern versions that appeared on record charts frequently featured electric instruments. This reflects the evolution of blues music and its integration with contemporary popular music styles.

Which artists are noted for recording the most blues standards from the list, and what was their typical style?

Robert Johnson and Tampa Red are credited with first recording the most blues standards on the list, with four each. They primarily performed these songs in solo or duo acoustic settings, representing the early acoustic blues tradition.

Which artists had the most blues standards charting, and what instrumentation did they typically use?

B.B. King and Muddy Waters each had the most blues standards appear on the charts, with five each. Their successful renditions typically utilized electric blues-ensemble arrangements, showcasing the impact of amplified blues.

According to Richie Unterberger, how has the blues genre evolved?

Music journalist Richie Unterberger observed that the blues has always been responsive to developments in popular music. He highlighted influences such as the integration of guitar and piano from folk and gospel music, the rhythmic elements of jazz, the lyrical content from Tin Pan Alley, and the adoption of amplification and electric instruments as key factors in the blues' evolution.

What does the presence of blues standards on 1960s and 1970s charts indicate?

The appearance of blues standards on the charts during the 1960s and 1970s often signifies their reinterpretation by rhythm and blues, soul, and rock musicians. This demonstrates the genre's continued relevance and adaptability across different musical movements.

How is the identification of a song as a blues standard determined in this list?

Each song included in this list has been identified as a blues standard by five or more music writers. This consensus among critics helps establish the canonical status of these blues compositions.

What is the significance of the 'Refs' column in the table of blues standards?

The 'Refs' column in the table indicates the sources that identify the song as a blues standard, often referencing specific music writers or publications that have recognized its status. This provides a basis for verifying the inclusion of each song.

What does a dash (-) signify in the 'Charting single(s)' column?

A dash (-) in the 'Charting single(s)' column signifies that the song, in its various recorded versions, did not appear on any major record charts. This distinguishes songs that achieved chart success from those that remained popular within the genre without broad commercial charting.

Who first recorded 'Ain't Nobody's Business' and in what year?

'Ain't Nobody's Business' was first recorded in 1922 by Anna Meyers with the Original Memphis Five. This early recording marks one of the foundational versions of this blues standard.

Which artists had notable charting versions of 'Ain't Nobody's Business'?

Notable charting versions of 'Ain't Nobody's Business' include Jimmy Witherspoon's in 1949 and H2O featuring Billie in 1996, under the title 'Nobody's Business'. These renditions highlight the song's enduring popularity across different decades and styles.

Who is credited with the first recording of 'Baby, Please Don't Go' and when?

Big Joe Williams is credited with the first recording of 'Baby, Please Don't Go' in 1935. This song has since become a widely covered blues standard.

Which artists recorded popular charting versions of 'Baby, Please Don't Go'?

Several artists recorded popular charting versions of 'Baby, Please Don't Go', including The Orioles (1952), Them (1964), The Amboy Dukes (1968), and AC/DC (1975). These diverse interpretations showcase the song's appeal across different rock and R&B eras.

When was 'Baby What You Want Me to Do' first recorded, and by whom?

'Baby What You Want Me to Do' was first recorded in 1960 by Jimmy Reed. It has since been recognized as a significant blues standard.

Which artists had charting versions of 'Baby What You Want Me to Do'?

Charting versions of 'Baby What You Want Me to Do' include those by Jimmy Reed himself in 1960 and Etta James in 1964. These recordings helped solidify the song's status as a blues standard.

Who originally recorded 'Blues with a Feeling' and in what year?

Rabon Tarrant is credited with the original recording of 'Blues with a Feeling' in 1947. This song is recognized as a blues standard, with Little Walter recording a notable version in 1953.

When was John Lee Hooker's 'Boom Boom' first recorded, and who else recorded a charting version?

John Lee Hooker's 'Boom Boom' was first recorded in 1962 by Hooker himself. The Animals recorded a charting version of the song in 1964, further popularizing it.

Who first recorded 'Born Under a Bad Sign', and when did it become a blues standard?

'Born Under a Bad Sign' was first recorded in 1967 by Albert King. It is recognized as a blues standard, with William Bell also recording a version in 1969.

What is the significance of the song 'Caldonia' in the blues repertoire?

'Caldonia' was first recorded by Louis Jordan in 1945 and is considered a blues standard. It saw further popularity through charting versions by artists like Erskine Hawkins (1945), Sugar Chile Robinson (1949), and James Brown (1964).

Who is credited with the first recording of 'Catfish Blues', and what is a notable later version?

Robert Petway is credited with the first recording of 'Catfish Blues' in 1941. Muddy Waters recorded a significant version in 1951 titled 'Still a Fool', which is recognized as a blues standard.

When was 'Crosscut Saw' first recorded, and who popularized it later?

'Crosscut Saw' was first recorded in 1941 by Tommy McClennan. Albert King later popularized the song in 1967 with his recording, which became a significant blues standard.

What is the history of Robert Johnson's 'Crossroads' as a blues standard?

Robert Johnson first recorded 'Crossroads' in 1936. The song gained further recognition as a blues standard when the band Cream recorded a popular version in 1969.

Who first recorded 'Don't You Lie to Me', and did it chart?

'Don't You Lie to Me' was first recorded by Tampa Red in 1940. The source text indicates it did not chart, as denoted by the dash in the charting singles column.

What is the recording history of 'Driftin' Blues'?

'Driftin' Blues' was first recorded in 1945 by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers. Both the original artists and Bobby Bland in 1968 recorded charting versions of this blues standard.

Who first recorded 'Dust My Broom', and which artist's version became a blues standard?

Robert Johnson first recorded 'Dust My Broom' in 1936. Elmore James's 1952 recording of the song is recognized as a blues standard.

Who is credited with the first recording of 'Every Day I Have the Blues', and what are some notable later versions?

'Every Day I Have the Blues' was first recorded in 1935 by Pinetop Sparks. Notable later versions that became blues standards include those by Lowell Fulson (1950), Joe Williams (1952 & 1955), B.B. King (1955), and Billy Stewart (1966).

Who first recorded 'Farther Up the Road', and what was its charting status?

'Farther Up the Road' was first recorded by Bobby Bland in 1957. Bobby Bland's own 1957 recording of the song charted, establishing it as a blues standard.

What is the recording history of Eddie Boyd's 'Five Long Years'?

'Five Long Years' was first recorded by Eddie Boyd in 1952. Both Eddie Boyd's original recording and Junior Parker's 1959 version are recognized as charting blues standards.

Who recorded 'Forty-Four' first, and did it chart?

Roosevelt Sykes first recorded 'Forty-Four' in 1929. According to the provided table, this version did not chart, as indicated by a dash in the charting singles column.

Who recorded 'Goin' Down Slow' first, and who later had a charting version?

'Goin' Down Slow' was first recorded by St. Louis Jimmy Oden in 1941. Bobby Bland recorded a charting version of this blues standard in 1974.

Who is credited with the first recording of 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl', and what is a notable charting version?

Sonny Boy Williamson I (Rice Miller) first recorded 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' in 1937. Smokey Hogg recorded a charting version in 1950 as 'Little School Girl', contributing to its status as a blues standard.

Who first recorded 'Got My Mojo Working', and which artist had a charting version?

'Got My Mojo Working' was first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1956. Jimmy Smith recorded a charting version of this blues standard in 1966.

What is the recording history of Sonny Boy Williamson II's 'Help Me'?

'Help Me' was first recorded by Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) in 1963. His own 1963 recording charted, solidifying its place as a blues standard.

Who first recorded the instrumental 'Hide Away', and who had a charting version?

Freddie King first recorded the instrumental 'Hide Away' in 1961. King Curtis recorded a charting version in 1964, contributing to its recognition as a blues standard.

Who recorded 'Hoochie Coochie Man' first, and what are some notable charting versions?

'Hoochie Coochie Man' was first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954. Charting versions include Muddy Waters' own 1954 recording and Jimmy Smith's 1966 rendition, both contributing to its status as a blues standard.

Who originally recorded 'How Long Blues', and what is its significance?

'How Long Blues' was first recorded in 1928 by Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell. It is recognized as a blues standard, though the table indicates it did not chart.

Who first recorded 'I Can't Quit You Baby', and what is its charting history?

'I Can't Quit You Baby' was first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. Otis Rush's own 1956 recording charted, establishing it as a blues standard.

What is the recording history of Bo Diddley's 'I'm a Man'?

'I'm a Man' was first recorded by Bo Diddley in 1955. Charting versions include Bo Diddley's original, Muddy Waters' 1955 recording as 'Mannish Boy', and The Yardbirds' 1965 version, all contributing to its status as a blues standard.

Who first recorded 'I'm Ready', and did it chart?

'I'm Ready' was first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954. Muddy Waters' own 1954 recording charted, marking it as a blues standard.

What is the recording history of Tampa Red's 'It Hurts Me Too'?

'It Hurts Me Too' was first recorded by Tampa Red in 1940. Tampa Red's 1949 version, titled 'When Things Go Wrong', and Elmore James's 1965 version are recognized as charting blues standards.

Who first recorded 'Kansas City', and what are its most notable charting versions?

'Kansas City' was first recorded by Little Willie Littlefield in 1952. Notable charting versions that established it as a blues standard include Wilbert Harrison (1959), Little Richard (1959), Hank Ballard & the Midnighters (1959), Trini Lopez (1963), and James Brown (1967).

Who recorded 'Key to the Highway' first, and who later had a charting version?

'Key to the Highway' was first recorded by Charlie Segar in 1940. Little Walter recorded a charting version in 1958, contributing to its status as a blues standard.

Who recorded 'Killing Floor' first, and did it chart?

Howlin' Wolf first recorded 'Killing Floor' in 1964. The table indicates that this original recording did not chart, as denoted by a dash.

Who first recorded 'Little Red Rooster', and what are its significant charting versions?

'Little Red Rooster' was first recorded by Howlin' Wolf in 1961. Sam Cooke (1963) and The Rolling Stones (1964) recorded charting versions, solidifying its status as a blues standard.

Who recorded 'Mean Old World' first, and what is a notable later version?

'Mean Old World' was first recorded by T-Bone Walker in 1942. Little Walter recorded a charting version in 1953, recognizing it as a blues standard.

What is the recording history of Little Walter's 'My Babe'?

'My Babe' was first recorded by Little Walter in 1955. His own 1955 recording charted, and other charting versions by Roy Head (1966) and Willie Mitchell (1969) further cemented its status as a blues standard.

List Of Blues Standards Wiki: The Rhythmic Roots: A Comprehensive Exploration of Blues Standards

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

The Essence of Blues Standards

Defining Standards

Blues standards are blues songs that have achieved significant recognition through widespread performance and recording. They are considered the most well-known and frequently interpreted blues compositions, standing the test of time.

Timeless Appeal

These enduring pieces represent the pinnacle of blues artistry, originating from various eras and styles. They span from the early ragtime-vaudeville influences to the raw emotion of Delta blues, the narrative depth of country blues, and the amplified energy of urban blues from Chicago and the West Coast.

Roots in Tradition

Many blues standards emerged from American folk music traditions, where individual songwriters were often uncredited or their contributions were passed down through oral tradition. This rich heritage means the exact origins of some foundational blues pieces remain intertwined with the collective musical memory.

Evolution and Attribution

Oral Tradition and Early Recordings

Blues historian Gerard Herzhaft noted that for very old blues songs, oral tradition was key, conveying tunes and lyrics that evolved over decades before the first recordings. Attributions to artists like Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Blind Blake often signify they were the first to record these pieces, not necessarily the original composers.

Copyright and Ownership

Compounding the issue of attribution, many early blues songs were not copyrighted. Later, rights were sometimes claimed by those who recorded subsequent versions or by managers and record company owners, leading to complex ownership histories for some standards.

Stylistic Transformation

The blues has consistently adapted to popular music trends. From its early days, it incorporated elements of jazz rhythms, Tin Pan Alley lyrics, and amplification. This adaptability is evident in how many blues standards, initially performed acoustically, later became chart successes through electric ensemble arrangements, as seen with artists like B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

The Blues Standards Catalog

Essential Tracks

Below is a curated list of blues standards, detailing their title, the artist who first recorded them, the year of that recording, and notable charting singles derived from them. This catalog highlights the enduring legacy and widespread influence of these foundational pieces.

List of blues standards, with title, first recorded by, year, charting single(s) and references
Title	First recorded by	Year	Charting single(s) by
"Ain't Nobody's Business"	Anna Meyers with the Original Memphis Five	1922	Jimmy Witherspoon (1949) H₂O featuring Billie (1996 as "Nobody's Business")
"All Your Love (I Miss Loving)"	Otis Rush	1958	—
"Baby, Please Don't Go"	Big Joe Williams	1935	The Orioles (1952) Them (1964) Amboy Dukes (1968) AC/DC (1975)
"Baby What You Want Me to Do"	Jimmy Reed	1960	Jimmy Reed (1960) Etta James (1964)
"Blues with a Feeling"	Rabon Tarrant	1947	Little Walter (1953)
"Boom Boom"	John Lee Hooker	1962	John Lee Hooker (1962) The Animals (1964)
"Born Under a Bad Sign"	Albert King	1967	Albert King (1967) William Bell (1969)
"Caldonia"	Louis Jordan	1945	Louis Jordan (1945) Erskine Hawkins (1945) Sugar Chile Robinson (1949) James Brown (1964)
"Catfish Blues"	Robert Petway	1941	Muddy Waters (1951 as "Still a Fool")
"Crosscut Saw"	Tommy McClennan	1941	Albert King (1967)
"Crossroads"	Robert Johnson	1936	Cream (1969)
"Don't You Lie to Me"	Tampa Red	1940	—
"Driftin' Blues"	Johnny Moore's Three Blazers	1945	Johnny Moore's Three Blazers (1945) Bobby Bland (1968)
"Dust My Broom"	Robert Johnson	1936	Elmore James (1952)
"Every Day I Have the Blues"	Pinetop Sparks	1935	Lowell Fulson (1950) Joe Williams (1952 & 1955) B.B. King (1955) Billy Stewart (1966)
"Farther Up the Road"	Bobby Bland	1957	Bobby Bland (1957)
"Five Long Years"	Eddie Boyd	1952	Eddie Boyd (1952) Junior Parker (1959)
"Forty-Four"	Roosevelt Sykes	1929	—
"Goin' Down Slow"	St. Louis Jimmy Oden	1941	Bobby Bland (1974)
"Good Morning Little Schoolgirl"	Sonny Boy Williamson I	1937	Smokey Hogg (1950 as "Little School Girl")
"Got My Mojo Working"	Muddy Waters	1956	Jimmy Smith (1966)
"Help Me"	Sonny Boy Williamson II	1963	Sonny Boy Williamson II (1963)
"Hide Away"	Freddie King	1961	Freddie King (1961) King Curtis (1964)
"Hoochie Coochie Man"	Muddy Waters	1954	Muddy Waters (1954) Jimmy Smith (1966)
"How Long, How Long Blues"	Leroy Carr & Scrapper Blackwell	1928	—
"I Can't Quit You Baby"	Otis Rush	1956	Otis Rush (1956)
"I'm a Man"	Bo Diddley	1955	Bo Diddley (1955) Muddy Waters (1955 as "Mannish Boy") The Yardbirds (1965)
"I'm Ready"	Muddy Waters	1954	Muddy Waters (1954)
"It Hurts Me Too"	Tampa Red	1940	Tampa Red (1949 as "When Things Go Wrong") Elmore James (1965)
"Kansas City"	Little Willie Littlefield	1952	Wilbert Harrison (1959) Little Richard (1959) Hank Ballard & the Midnighters (1959) Trini Lopez (1963) James Brown (1967)
"Key to the Highway"	Charlie Segar	1940	Little Walter (1958)
"Killing Floor"	Howlin' Wolf	1964	—
"Little Red Rooster"	Howlin' Wolf	1961	Sam Cooke (1963) The Rolling Stones (1964)
"Mean Old World"	T-Bone Walker	1942	Little Walter (1953)
"My Babe"	Little Walter	1955	Little Walter (1955) Roy Head (1966) Willie Mitchell (1969)
"Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"	Bessie Smith	1929	Nina Simone (1960) Bobby Womack (1973 as "Nobody Wants You When You're Down and Out")
"Reconsider Baby"	Lowell Fulson	1954	Lowell Fulson (1954)
"Rock Me Baby"	Lil' Son Jackson	1950	B.B. King (1964)
"Rollin' and Tumblin'"	Hambone Willie Newbern	1929	Canned Heat (1967) Johnny Winter (1969)
"See See Rider"	Ma Rainey	1924	Bea Booze (1942) Chuck Willis (1957 as "C.C. Rider") LaVern Baker (1962) Bobby Powell (1965) The Animals (1966)
"Sitting on Top of the World"	Mississippi Sheiks	1930	—
"The Sky Is Crying"	Elmore James	1960	Elmore James (1960)
"Spoonful"	Howlin' Wolf	1960	Etta James & Harvey Fuqua (1961)
"Stormy Monday"	T-Bone Walker	1948	T-Bone Walker (1948) Bobby Bland (1962) Latimore (1973)
"Sugar Mama"	Tampa Red	1934	—
"Sweet Home Chicago"	Robert Johnson	1936	Junior Parker (1958)
"Sweet Little Angel"	Lucille Bogan	1930	B.B. King (1956)
"That's All Right"	Jimmy Rogers	1950	—
"The Things That I Used to Do"	Guitar Slim	1953	Guitar Slim (1953) James Brown (1964)
"The Thrill Is Gone"	Roy Hawkins	1951	Roy Hawkins (1951) B.B. King (1970) Aretha Franklin (1970)
"Trouble in Mind"	Bertha "Chippie" Hill	1926	Dinah Washington (1952) Nina Simone (1961)
"Walkin' Blues"	Robert Johnson	1936	Muddy Waters (1948 as "I Feel Like Going Home")
"Worried Life Blues"	Big Maceo	1941	Big Maceo (1945 as "Things Have Changed") B.B. King (1970) Junior Parker (1970)
"You've Got to Love Her with a Feeling"	Tampa Red	1938	Freddie King (1961)
A dash (—) denotes a song that did not appear on a record chart.

Further Exploration

Blues Portal

Delve deeper into the rich world of blues music, its history, artists, and cultural significance by visiting the dedicated Blues portal.

Visit Blues Portal ➡️

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "List Of Blues Standards" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about list_of_blues_standards while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

apollo command and service module

rasmussen reports

muskegon michigan

lloyd bentsen

power dividers and directional couplers

2014 sony pictures hack

russell westbrook

jordan

cholsey abbey

cedric henderson basketball born 1965

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the List of blues standards Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional musicological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music history, theory, or performance. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult with qualified experts for in-depth analysis or specific musical needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Rhythmic Roots

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Essence of Blues Standards 🎵

⭐ Defining Standards

⏳ Timeless Appeal

📜 Roots in Tradition

Evolution and Attribution 🕰️

🗣️ Oral Tradition and Early Recordings

⚖️ Copyright and Ownership

⚡ Stylistic Transformation

The Blues Standards Catalog 📚

🎶 Essential Tracks

Further Exploration 🔗

🎷 Blues Portal

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Essence of Blues Standards

Defining Standards

Timeless Appeal

Roots in Tradition

Evolution and Attribution

Oral Tradition and Early Recordings

Copyright and Ownership

Stylistic Transformation

The Blues Standards Catalog

Essential Tracks

Further Exploration

Blues Portal

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice