Song of the Day (110): John the Revelator – Blind Willie Johnson    

Song of the Day - John the Revelator by Blind Willie Johnson  

Gospel music and the blues, the sacred and the profane, often ride parallel tracks. In1930, Blind Willie Johnson smashed them together and we get “John the Revelator,” growling with this urgency of the blues, driving with the conviction of his devotion to God. IT is a performance of this earth, yet sounds other worldly. This song has inspired blues and gospel artist ever since. 

The John of the song is John of Patmos, thought to be the author of the book of revelation. And its writing that book that becomes the focus of the song full of apocalyptic owners.  

Well who’s that writin’? John the Revelator 
Who’s that writin’? John the Revelator 
Who’s that writin’? John the Revelator 
A book of the seven seals 

It has been covered by many. Son House got attention for the song with his 1960 recording. It shows up in the Blues Brother movie, and others cutting a version include Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Government Mule and the Fairfield Four.  

The Anthonlogy of American Folk Music brought this song to the attention of many performers. IN 1952, Folkways released Harry Smith’s compilation of 84 tracks that include everything from gospel and blues to Cajun tune, jug music, country, Appalachian and fiddle cuts.  Unlike other musicologists who carried giant tape recording into the south (e.g. Alan Lomax), Smith collected records because he felt that what people thought mattered.  It is an amazing collection of music that drove the folk revival of the late 50’s and early 60’s and a renewal of interest in the blues.  

I know this song is different than what you are accustomed to hearing. Give it a few spins, it will grow on you.  

#Songoftheday #gospelmusic #blues #bluesmusic #blindwilliejohnson #harrysmith #anthologyofamericanfolkmusic    

YouTube: https://youtu.be/YdnyRlb0qIk?si=xntVRyZl9Y4_Tc0Z  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6L7TWfy2jqYdrpoatl2oFn?si=eab58e8c22184463