Top Ten Blues Songs

The host of

Honey, Where You Been So Long?

, a blues blog that shares my taste for old school stuff, has been asking readers to list their favorites, pre-war or not. There are several other topics of public interest today, but as Thoreau, says, "Read not the times, but the eternities", so here is my list in no particular order:

1. Saint James Infirmary, Jack Teagarden vocal/ Louis Armstrong
2. Cypress Grove Blues, Skip James
3. Back O’ Town Blues, Louis Armstrong vocal/Jack Teagaden



4. Stormy Monday Blues, Junior Wells
5. How Long, How Long Blues, Jimmy Rushing
6. Baby Please Don’t Go, Big Bill Broonzy


7. Ain’t Nobody’s Business, James Cotton
8. Wang Dang Doodle, Koko Taylor


9. Love in Vain, Robert Johnson
10. Go Down Old Hannah, Leadbelly, Sparky Rucker, others unknown



... Anything by Mississippi John Hurt (no particular favorite)
Honorable Mention:
Good Morning Heartache, Billie Holliday
‘Round Midnight, Miles Davis
Black and Blue, Fats Waller

This is a wake-me-at-three-in-the-morning list. The editors are happy to be reminded of any forgotten songs, or to be introduced to new greats. Lists are handy for filling up blog space when you're off on another mission. And photos of blues faces are always good for the soul. That photo of my favorites, Mississippi John Hurt and Skip James together, is an instant treasure for my wall.