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Album of the Month: Various Artists - God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson

ALCD 4968
Alligator Records
ALCD 4968

Blind Willie Johnson  was a gospel blues singer and slide guitarist, who has influenced countless artists throughout the years. He recorded a total of 30 songs between 1927 and 1930, leaving behind a priceless legacy of the unforgettable music he created by marrying the raw, gospel fervor of his voice with the steely blues fire of his guitar. His songs were mostly traditional or came from hymnals, but when Johnson performed them, he transformed them with his soul-shaking voice and amazing slide guitar. Johnson was among the best-selling black gospel artists of the era, but the Great Depression ended his recording career. God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson, released on Alligator Recordsfeatures newly recorded versions of the iconic slide guitarist/vocalist's most seminal material.  Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Cowboy Junkies, The Blind Boys Of Alabama (with Jason Isbell on guitar), Sinéad O'Connor, Luther Dickinson featuring The Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Maria McKee, and Rickie Lee Jones all deliver deeply moving interpretations of Johnson's otherworldly "gospel blues" music.

More information: Pitchfork | Reviews | Facebook | Wikipedia

https://youtu.be/M6cSNpBNcE8

John is the mid-morning host on WFPK. Email John at jtimmons@lpm.org

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