I really like the guitar in the part between "'Now im the only blues man in heaven" and "it makes me kind of sad." The slight delay really pleases my ears. I know it's such a small part but I love it.
This is based on true history. There really was a Sonny Boy 1 and a Sonny Boy 2. And "1" did die in a robbery. Back in the days before you could Google anybody's name and see what they look like, it wasn't unusual for a musician to steal or borrow somebody's name to make a few bucks. Times was tough.
I can name one---Sonny Boy Williamson, #1 and #2, as described in this song. Look it up on wiki. When I was a youngster a local promoter where I lived sold tickets to "Merle Travis" and he was a fake, I think. But that was just a rumor. I don't have massive documentation of this phenomenon at my fingertips, it's true, but think about it. Back then there were lots of imposters at everything, not just music.
Yes, This did happen to Sonny Boy Williamson.. He is buried in Blair's Chapel CME Cemetery outside of Denmark, TN. I have a Facebook page in his honor with video's and pictures.. It's Sonny Boy John Lee Curtis Williamson. I also maintain the area around his tombstone in this inactive cemetery. facebook.com/sonnyboyjohnleecurtiswilliamson/?ref=settings#
Yes yes, people, but the song is about Sonny Boy Williamson II who stole the name of John Lee "Sonny boy" Williamson, who was far famous than him. Thanxs, Randy.
John Lee Williamson was a huge Star the whole time he was alive, with big hits on BlueBird Records. Early In The Morning, Good Morning Little School Girl, Goin Away Baby, Stop Breakin Down, When My Baby Left( with a Mule To Ride), Sloppy Drunk, My Little Machine & many other blues standards were written by John Lee
Someone stole my original SailAway, My new one does not have Short People which really pissed me off. My brother who is an online personality had no problem starting a short people club with himself and friends who met the criteria. They had no problem with and so fun.
Yeah, we need a D. Trump song, so please hurry, cause times running out! btw... I can relate, one of my favorite songs by Randy is "Birmingham", because my family comes from there.
The second Sonny Boy used the first one’s name in the south after John Lee Williamson( 1st) had moved to Chicago. I’ve heard nothing of SB2 playing in Chicago prior to John Lee getting stabbed after a card game was won? They knew each other when SB2 visited him in Jackson, TN & John Lee went to AR to try & stop him from using the name, which he was unsuccessful in doing.
Newman takes a lot of poetic license, having the confrontation between them (the one that "scared [SB1] so bad") be at a performance in Chicago, and having SB1's death take place immediately after. I'm sure he knows the facts; he's just trying to write an entertaining song. I rarely hear a "historical" song that doesn't take liberties. Those Dylan protest songs about real people and events were always riddled with inaccuracies.
Randy Newman, you're such a brilliant musician!
I really like the guitar in the part between "'Now im the only blues man in heaven" and "it makes me kind of sad." The slight delay really pleases my ears. I know it's such a small part but I love it.
Then again a without the other instruments and vocals it wouldn't sound the way it did. That's the beauty of music 😄
randy, never stop making music
As usual; a great story from a great story teller. I expect nothing less from Mr. Newman and once again, he delivers.
Dear Randy, what a wonderful song, great musicians, arrangement, sound, mastering, feeling, thank you so much! hugs and love , Paul, Netherlands.
This album is going to be so good..
Yes, I agree. I can't wait
This is so good. Taking off exactly where Harps and Angels left off
harps and angels was so good
Randy! So grateful for all of the amazing work you do.
What a great song. Brilliant lyrics.
Reminds me of Good Ol' Boys, sounding great!
magnificent....just magnificent! - brought tears to my eyes - bless you mr. randy!!
I didn't fully get this at first, but I came back and glad I did. Your such a good story teller and musician Randy!
This is based on true history. There really was a Sonny Boy 1 and a Sonny Boy 2. And "1" did die in a robbery. Back in the days before you could Google anybody's name and see what they look like, it wasn't unusual for a musician to steal or borrow somebody's name to make a few bucks. Times was tough.
That's crazy!
check it out on wikipedia.
"it wasn't unusual for a musician to steal or borrow somebody's name to make a few bucks."
Oh? Name three.
I can name one---Sonny Boy Williamson, #1 and #2, as described in this song. Look it up on wiki. When I was a youngster a local promoter where I lived sold tickets to "Merle Travis" and he was a fake, I think. But that was just a rumor. I don't have massive documentation of this phenomenon at my fingertips, it's true, but think about it. Back then there were lots of imposters at everything, not just music.
There was a Ma Rainey II in Memphis, she didn't deny she wasn't the original, but booked herself as Ma Rainey.
Jackson, Tennessee should be proud Mr. Newman
I am so goddamn jealous someone else wrote this tune. Randy is just phenomenal
Thanks Randy!
Awesome!!!
This is Randy Newman at his best.
Yes, This did happen to Sonny Boy Williamson.. He is buried in Blair's Chapel CME Cemetery outside of Denmark, TN. I have a Facebook page in his honor with video's and pictures.. It's Sonny Boy John Lee Curtis Williamson. I also maintain the area around his tombstone in this inactive cemetery. facebook.com/sonnyboyjohnleecurtiswilliamson/?ref=settings#
His catalog was much more hit worthy then Rice Miller
Randy I miss you so much!
There is and ever will be only one Randy Newman.
Excellent!
Does a bad Randy Newman song actually exist?
An artiste we will never see the like of again.
Depends on what type of bad you’re talking about
The Monk main theme music is bought me. My first Randy Newman music experience.
But he even try to steal my jellyroll
This is amazing why dose this not have more views
I like this one
LOVE YA BUNCHES ...SO HAPPY TO HEAR MORE OF YA...🎙.. Raybann AustinTexas
man pure talent
Love it!
Classe e genialità fuori da ogni tempo e moda
Love u！ randy
What an amazing song. I am quite partial to the work of Rice Miller but I hear what you're saying. Timing and thievery - that's the blues for you
And the irony was that many fans and critics consider Rice Miller to be the superior bluesman.
Oh wow it's finally going to be coming out!!
The only bluesman in heaven! Discuss.
What about blind willie mctell
Did you ever meet Luther Allison? A truly beautiful man. Sorely missed!
he didn't have time to do nothin' bad.
I love this sound so
great
songwriter supremo.
... John Lee (Sonny Boy) Williamson discography at www.wirz.de/music/willsb1.htm
I'm not missing Randy on this tour.
That's what I thought but then that cheeky character covid came along and it was not to be, the worst luck I've ever had in my life ffs
I have a friend in you!!
He's just sending it now.
I live near Jackson, it's sad no one here knows who he was.
Yes yes, people, but the song is about Sonny Boy Williamson II who stole the name of John Lee "Sonny boy" Williamson, who was far famous than him. Thanxs, Randy.
John Lee Williamson was a huge Star the whole time he was alive, with big hits on BlueBird Records. Early In The Morning, Good Morning Little School Girl, Goin Away Baby, Stop Breakin Down, When My Baby Left( with a Mule To Ride), Sloppy Drunk, My Little Machine & many other blues standards were written by John Lee
Someone stole my original SailAway, My new one does not have Short People which really pissed me off. My brother who is an online personality had no problem starting a short people club with himself and friends who met the criteria. They had no problem with and so fun.
Sonny Boy's tombstone is to the left of my messages.
Randy can you make a song about Donald Trump. my favorite song is burn on because of my Jewish roots from Cleveland.
Yeah, we need a D. Trump song, so please hurry, cause times running out! btw... I can relate, one of my favorite songs by Randy is "Birmingham", because my family comes from there.
The song should be called (we need Trump back In office) because Biden is ruining the world.
My name is sonny Williams and my nickname is sonny boy....
early
you mean the sonny boy I saw was fake?
The second Sonny Boy used the first one’s name in the south after John Lee Williamson( 1st) had moved to Chicago. I’ve heard nothing of SB2 playing in Chicago prior to John Lee getting stabbed after a card game was won? They knew each other when SB2 visited him in Jackson, TN & John Lee went to AR to try & stop him from using the name, which he was unsuccessful in doing.
Newman takes a lot of poetic license, having the confrontation between them (the one that "scared [SB1] so bad") be at a performance in Chicago, and having SB1's death take place immediately after. I'm sure he knows the facts; he's just trying to write an entertaining song. I rarely hear a "historical" song that doesn't take liberties. Those Dylan protest songs about real people and events were always riddled with inaccuracies.