Download “Soul of a Man” by Blind Willie Johnson & Willie B. Harris

How fitting for a Sunday – this traditional Gospel tune is haunting and driving thanks to his raspy, train-whistle voice. Plus, musical phrasing is impressive and advanced past most other artists of the time.

“Blind” Willie Johnson was an American singer and guitarist whose music straddled the border between blues and spirituals. While the lyrics of all of his songs were religious, his music drew from both sacred and blues traditions.

Johnson was not born blind, and, although it is not known how he lost his sight, Angeline Johnson told Samuel Charters that when Willie was seven his father beat his stepmother after catching her going out with another man. The stepmother then picked up a handful of lye and threw it, not at Willie’s father, but into the face of young Willie.

His father would often leave him on street corners to sing for money, where his powerful voice left an indelible impression on passers-by. Legend has it that he was arrested for nearly starting a riot at a New Orleans courthouse with a powerful rendition of “If I Had My Way I’d Tear the Building Down”, a song about Samson and Delilah.

His records have kept his music tremendously influential and his songs have been covered by several popular artists, including Led Zeppelin (who included his photograph on their second album), Bob Dylan, The 77s, Beck, Phil Keaggy and The White Stripes (who have covered “John the Revelator”, as well as covering “Motherless Children Have A Hard Time” and “Lord, I Just Can’t Keep From Cryin’” live). “John the Revelator” was also recorded by delta blues musician Son House, and “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning” was recorded by another delta blues musician, Fred McDowell, and many, many more. [source]

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