The history of blues music is drenched in melancholy. Merriam-Webster tells us the first known use was in 1741, originating from “blue devils.” So it’s no surprise that some of the most gut-wrenching blues tunes become standards, echoing the sentiment that countless people have often experienced “low spirits” throughout the generations.
When performed with the right voice, guitar riff, groove, and poignant lyrics, feeling bad can transform into something surprisingly uplifting. The blues can fight off the doldrums, making it an ideal genre for those needing a cathartic release. Let’s crank up the volume on some gut-wrenching blues songs from the 1960s and bid farewell to those blue devils.
“The Thrill Is Gone” by B. B. King
This song captures the essence of lost love—an emotional spark extinguished, leaving behind nothing but darkness. B. B. King’s rendition of “The Thrill Is Gone”, which was penned by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell, was released in late 1969. King lays bare the bittersweet truth of a relationship’s demise, confessing to a lover that the joy and ecstasy are irretrievably lost. His guitar weeps alongside him, creating a romantic dirge that resonates deeply. The history shared between the two has been marred, leaving King to navigate a future soaked in loneliness.
“The Sky Is Crying” by Elmore James
Inspired by a rainy day in Chicago, Elmore James created a blues standard during an impromptu jam. His recording of The Sky Is Crying features his iconic slide guitar work and deeply emotional vocals. In this song, the speaker’s entire world seems to crumble beneath the melancholy downpour, reflecting his hopelessness as he suspects his lover has moved on. The track’s legacy continued with Albert King’s powerful 1969 cover, leading to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s unparalleled rendition on his final studio album released posthumously in 1991. Each artist adds his unique twist to a timeless lament.
“Born Under A Bad Sign” by Albert King
Few emotions evoke the blues quite like the notion of being doomed from the start. Albert King’s “Born Under A Bad Sign,” written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones, perfectly encapsulates this sentiment using astrology as an allegorical lens. This track, the title piece from King’s second release on the Stax label, reveals a heartbreaking narrative of despair. “Been down since I began to crawl” rings powerfully true, as King voices the struggles that taint his existence from infancy. Bad luck follows him, and the adult mistakes he makes seem preordained. This song taps into a tradition of blues infused with themes of misfortune, echoing the spirit of Cousin Joe’s 1947 recording “Bad Luck Blues.”
Photo by Bill Carrier, Courtesy of Concord Music Group
