Origins: Backwater Blues

Subject: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: Leadbelly
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 01:59 PM

Hi,

thinking of Bessie Smith's "Backwater Blues" I'm interested in knowing which concrete event is/was meant.
Has it something to do with the Johnstown (PA) flood of May 31, 1889 ?
Because I don't believe so who knows when and where "...it rained 5 days..."?

Thanks,
Manfred

Subject: RE: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: 12-stringer
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:15 PM

Recorded 17 February 1927 in New York, so it's hard to believe it's not about, or at least inspired by, this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mississippi_Flood_of_1927

Subject: RE: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: Leadbelly
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM

Indeed, 12-stringer, this flood was meant!

Thanks a lot,
Manfred

(Short question, valid answer!)

Subject: RE: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM

I was told that it was written as a competition entry, for the best song about a flood. Assume it may be the one mentioned above.
Giok

Subject: RE: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 09:26 AM

Also recorded by Leadbelly

RtS

Subject: RE: Origins: Backwater Blues
From: Leadbelly
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 10:40 AM

Oops Roger,
I know I did it, but I do remember that Bessie's version was a little bit more successful than mine...