How do you measure the Soul of A Man?

Blind Willie Johnson cared about 'The Soul of a Man,' others dug the music

By John Kessler

Blind Willie Johnson

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  The Blues Time Machine

Blind Willie Johnson was a bluesman and a preacher. His lyrics were spiritual, and his music was blues.
Though he only made 30 recordings, his work is a lasting part of the blues legacy. Early players like Son House and Fred McDowell played his tunes, and his influence reached people like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. In 1930 he recorded “The Soul of a Man” accompanied by his wife, Willie B. Harris.

Interesting note: Blind Willie Johnson’s song “Dark Was The Night” is one of 31 musical pieces on a golden record onboard the spacecraft Voyager 1. Launched in 1977, it is the farthest man-made object from Earth.

David Jacobs-Strain is a younger blues player who has done his homework on early blues. His 2004 recording of “The Soul of a Man” honors the integrity of the tune while adding atmospheric touches that take it into the new century.
Two years later in 2006 , Irma Thomas recorded “The Soul of A Man” with minimal accompaniment. Appearing on her CD "After the Rain," which came out following Hurricane Katrina. In Thomas' version, the song took on further poignancy.

That same year Eric Burdon, who led the Animals in the 60s, came out with a blues oriented album that included a version of “The Soul of a Man." He performs it live in this clip:



Here are the complete versions of “The Soul of a Man”:

Blind Willie Johnson “The Soul of a Man” 1930

Listen

 

David Jacobs-Strain “The Soul of a Man” 2004

Listen

 

Irma Thomas “The Soul of a Man” 2006

 

Listen

 

Eric Burdon “The Soul of a Man” 2006

“The Blues Time Machine” is a weekly feature tracking one great blues song through time. The series is hosted by John Kessler, from KPLU’s “All Blues,”  airs on KPLU 88.5 on Fridays at 12:10 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. PST and is provided as a live stream.

Vacation Photos

I just returned from a 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbeans including George Town, Cayman Islands BWI, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Cozumel Mexico where there was plenty of sun, sand, surf, snorkeling and rum punch.
The day I returned home to Little Rock (12/25) we had a blizzard and lost all power. It wasn't fully restored until Jan 2nd. Used up a lot of firewood and rediscovered all those things taking up room and gathering dust on my shelves (they are called "books") and learned to read by candlelight and by flashlight.
In some ways it was sort of a welcome change with no TV, no computer, no phone and not even a radio.
The surprising thing is how quickly I adapted, which reinforces my decision that whatever electronic toys I have in my possession now I can live without and consequently will not be "upgrading" every year or so. When they finally die, or the technology no longer exists to fix them I will not replace them.
I took some photos on the trip including this one which I took on a bus in Montego Bay. In some ways it really speaks to the topic of "adapting."

She has some ...

Morning Memories

 

 

In the early morning as we stroll

Still reveling in the warm glow

In our minds trying to recapture

The details of our evening’s rapture

 

 

Walking on the path just me and you

The morning mist enhancing the dew

You arms strong, your lips so tender

The touch of your hands made me surrender.

 

 

The initial suggestion of a slight hesitancy

Replaced by a fervent, insatiable need for intimacy

I found myself crying out in complete dismay

As I experienced my own fireworks display.

 

 

It seemed endless this rocket’s red glare

As I held you deeply within me there.

I found myself beginning to shudder

Like a ship in the ocean without a rudder.

 

 

As I lay there in desperation gasping

I found myself finally grasping

What heretofore I could only dream

Was this my voice I heard scream?

 

 

“OH GOD OH GOD  oh my merciful Deity

Do you think we could do this again, you and me?”

I had never before witnessed perfection

Until once more  I looked in his direction

 

 

With lips and tongue I gave him new life

Until he screamed as if struck by a knife.

Into slumber we both succumbed

Both of us one hundred percent numbed.

 

 

But sleep is interrupted by an ancient longing

This is accompanied by some heavy breathing.

His snoring has stopped, he is now fully awake

I’m conscious too and have adjustments to make.

 

 

Like soldiers at the march we plunge ever onward

Deeper and deeper in search of our reward.

When finally, at last the bugler sounds taps

We are worn out completely and simply collapse.

 

© Tim D. Culey

 

Ever feel nostalgic?

Remember the 60's?

I think of the people, the places, and the things I miss

Of them, all my heart yearns most for cannabis.

 

The night was spent laughing until our ribs nearly split

And coughing and choking while saying “Good Shit!”

 

The music was so deep, so magical so intense

Sometimes it seemed like it even made sense.

 

Conversation was incredible as we passed the bong

Unfortunately, not much was remembered for long.

 

I remember well getting the munchies

Then devouring a week’s worth of groceries.

 

Red wine out of a goatskin bag I would sip

Profundity was exclaiming, “I’m hip, man I’m hip.”

 

Suggestions were accepted at the drop of a hat

I had only to reply, “I can really dig that!”

 

When it came time to find a new place in the sun

I would just stand by the road and waggle my thumb.

 

No need to worry about the Wicked Old Witch

There was always somebody willing to give me a hitch.

 

Fogerty had it right, at least where I lived,

There were always people happy to give.

 

The confusion of what was wrong and what was right

Was never too clear, just too far “out of sight.”

 

It was not hard to find a song that would move me

Making me scream to all “Wow, that’s groovy!”

 

I would dance, twirl, and perhaps even shout

“Man this is cool, I mean totally FAR OUT!”

 

You had to get up and jump to your feet

You knew what was coming; you were in for a treat

 

When the shout would go up, and louder it would repeat

“Come on, you ‘Funky Chicken Champ of the Far East!

 

Did the Funky Chicken from Hono to Taipei

Most people had the good sense to stay out of my way

 

There was Hendrix, Joplin, and even the Doors,

And I kept shouting, “Stop this evil WAR!”

 

Time and tide stand still for no one

And it seemed like it was over before it had begun.

 

My long hair and beard were to be no more,

I lost my innocence on the barber’s floor.

 

My fringed jacket and shirts all tie dyed

Were replaced by three piece suits and ties.

 

I did what I could in times that were critical

Before I moved to my corporate cubicle

 

Did I sell out to the American Dream?

Of a house in the burbs and a 40 inch TV?

 

I married a soccer Mom and became a Little League Dad

Was it a fair exchange?  Was it so bad?

 

The microbus was replaced by an SUV

Oh Lord in heaven what has happened to me?

 

 

© 2008 Timothy D. Culey

TimCo LLC

All Rights Reserved

My lady friend was offended because she caught me looking. She reached over and slapped me!

Do you think that was fair? After all, when was the last time YOU saw a dog driving a car?


Waddya mean, WHAT dog? What were you looking at?