I had an idea for an email that would dig into history of blues music and its relationship with whiskey. However, when I sat down to write said email, I realized I didn’t really know much about that history in great detail and really only knew just a few songs pertaining to the subject. Perhaps more than the average bear, if I can hang my hat on anything, but not enough for a detailed article-like write up.
Knowing some songs is just as good as knowing the nitty gritty, don’t you think? For in truth, can you really know the birth of the relationship between something like blues music and brown liquor? The birth of the blues itself is mysterious enough as it is, according to Ted Gioia. He wrote the book on the blues, which I believe I’ve mentioned before, and I have had that book checked out from the Chicago Public Library for near a damn year now. Anywho, here’s some good writing by Gioia which mentions another book on the blues and its possible nascence:
Discerning readers will recognize the musician’s name mentioned by Gioia elsewhere in this email!
Here are some of the songs I was thinking of for your enjoyment:
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells - “Bad Bad Whiskey”
Chris Thomas King - “John Law Burned Down the Liquor Sto'”
John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat - “Whiskey And Wimmen'”
John Lee Hooker - “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”
…and just because it’s an awesome song, I’ll throw in this one for free despite not dealing with brown liquor but instead the sparkly stuff…
Muddy Waters - “Champagne & Reefer”
What I’ve Been Cooking -
A lot of Uber Eats, if I’m being completely honest with my cooking the last couple weeks.
I wanna make some lemon chicken this weekend?
I should go to the grocery store…
What I’m Reading -
The Small Bow - a newsletter and community focused on recovery, from alcoholism and other general life ailments / travails
Other Neat Things of Note -
I’ve been very boring lately. However, there is a cool music venue in Austin, TX that you should hit up if you have the chance. I came across it in my travels recently. It’s called Antone’s.
Thanks as always for tagging along.
Peace, Love, Gap,
Rob