Origins: Old Dog Blue

Subject: RE: Origins: Old Dog Blue
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Apr 23 - 05:22 PM

Early Video of a boy & hisn bluetick hound a'treein' a masked critter

Subject: RE: Origins: Old Dog Blue
From: Stewie
Date: 12 Jan 22 - 06:44 PM

The wonderful intro by Doug Dillard was mentioned a couple of times above. It is available on YT if you haven't heard it. It will put a smile on your face.

Old Blue

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Origins: Old Dog Blue
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 22 - 09:58 PM

The other Youtube video posted above of 'Old Dog Blue' by the late Paul Ott is no longer available. He is a current link to this gem:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKL_jVl-S2U

Subject: RE: Ol' Blue
From: GUEST,Rick Jackson
Date: 26 Sep 17 - 06:31 AM

I grew up in Mississippi in the 70s and this song (along w/a video of Paul Jr. running w/his hound dog) was used as a promotional clip for MS conservation...loved it...even found the video on youtube

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,Jerry K Green
Date: 22 Jul 17 - 11:18 PM

July 22, 2017 10:00 pm Central Time.
I just googled to see what I might find about a song called Old Blue, and discovered this site and Old Blue Thread.
When I was a little boy in the 1930s in Texas, my older brothers taught me the only version of the song that I had heard of till now.
Before I was born in 1931, my family had 'followed the crops' from the Texas gulf coast into lower Oklahoma in 1926,27,28 & 29, picking cotton, etc., to survive. I was told that they learned this simple song from other field hands. In reading all the posts in this thread, I saw bits of 'our' version in different posted versions. Here is the one I sing:

Evey evening just about dark
You can hear Old Blue for he begins to bark
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

And then one day Old Blue took sick
We called the doctor come here quick
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

The doctor came and he came on a run
He said Old Blue your hunting's all done
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

Old Blue he died and he died so hard
That he dug little holes all over the yard
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

I dug his grave with a silver spade
And I let him down on a golden chain
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

Now Blue's in Heaven wearin' a golden crown
And I'm down here goin' 'round and 'round
Here, Blue, you rascal you, here Blue

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 10:44 PM

I had a dog and his name was Green

Weirdest Gog I've ever seen

Green he had a greenish Skin

Four webbed feet and a dorsal fin

Wish I could credit the writer , but it has to be about 1968 that I heard that !!

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: olddude
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 09:27 PM

Art Thieme, best version for me ... played it today actually

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Joe_F
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 06:04 PM

You can't beat Cruiser's post for authenticity: Ott himself, and Blue himself!

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 07:00 PM

I'd always assumed the "Giles County" in Jim Jackson's version of the song was Giles County, Tenn., about 200 miles east of Beale Street and Memphis. But then again, I'm from Tennessee. I guess it could just as well be Virginia.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Cruiser
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 08:16 PM

Here is the complete version of Ole Blue by Paul Ott from a 45 rpm.

Ole Blue Paul Ott

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,Morgana
Date: 28 Nov 10 - 10:48 AM

Traditional

Well, I had an old dog and his name was Blue,
Had an old dog and his name was Blue.
Had an old dog and his name was Blue...
Betcha five dollars he's a good dog too...
"Here old Blue"
"Good dog you"

Well, I shouldered my axe and I tooted my horn,
Went to find 'possum in the new-grown corn.
Old Blue treed and I went to see,
Blue had 'possum up a tall oak tree.
Mmm, boy I roast'd 'possum, nice and brown,
Sweet po-ta-toes, n' all a-round...
And to say "Here old Blue (here-boy)
You can have some too"

Now, Old Blue died and he died so hard,
Made a big dent in my back-yard.
Dug his grave with a silver spade,
Lowered him down with a link of chain.
Ev-er-y link I did call his name...
Singing "Here Blue-ue...
"Good dog you"

Now, when I get to heaven, first thing I'll do.
When I get to heaven, first thing 'awm do.
When I get to heaven first thing I'll do,
Pull out my horn and call old Blue...
I'll say, "Here Old Blue come-on dog"
"Good dog you."

I'll say, "Here Blue-e"
"I'm a coming there too"

(As sung on the LP Joan Baez Ballad Book)

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,dptymk
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 01:25 PM

Years ago I had an album by Roy Acuff with this song, sorry, but the name of the album escapes me

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Blue
From: Cruiser
Date: 22 Sep 06 - 05:05 PM

Dan in Florida:

I doubt you are still around since this was your only post over 7.5 years ago. However, the album you are looking for is "Listen to the Eagle" is by Paul Ott. I posted earlier regarding "Old Blue" and Paul's rendition is the one you were searching for.

Also, the reference to the 'Stars that fell on Alabam' is in the song "I'm the South" and the reference to the Indian chief is in the song "A Letter to the President" where the old chief asks on Sept 12, 1855 how one can sell and buy the air, land, and water. Paul's narration lyrics are backed by the beautiful music of 'Shenandoah'

It has been over 2 years since I replied to this thread and I still have not gotten the CD, but I definitely will. Mr. Ott has one of the purest male voices I have ever heard. Paul is from Mississippi so that also fits your search for a singer from the SE United States.

Here is the link again and all the songs have sound clips available:

Listen to the Eagle


Cruiser

_____________________________________________________________

Subject: Lyr Add: OLE BLUE (from King Family)
From: Goose Gander
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 11:07 PM

Ole Blue

from . . . .

Voices From the Dust Bowl

OLE BLUE

King Family
Arvin, 1940

I had a little dog, and his name was "Blue"
I'll tell to you what he would do
He'd leave home every night about dark
Wouldn't be gone long till you'd hear him bark
Ole Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue

One time he ran, when he got free
He got a big possum up a white oak tree
Oh Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue
Gonna climb up there and get him down
I'll have him cooked good and brown
Sweet potatoes laid all around and around
Ole Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue

One day Ole Blue, he tak'n got sick
We sent for the doctor, and we sent for him quick
For Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue
Ole Blue he died and he died so hard
He scratched little holes all over the yard
Ole Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue.

We dug his grave in a shady place
And covered his grave with a possum face
Ole Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue
We dug his grave with a silver spade
And let him down with a golden chain
Every link of that chain slipped through my hand
I'll call his name
Ole Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue

When I come lay my banjo down
And go to heaven and wear a crown
You Blue, you rascal you, Ole Blue
When I get there I know what I'll do
I'll get my horn and I'll call for Blue
"Heah Blue! Yeach, Blue, you rascal you,
Ole Blue."

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD BLUE (from Burl Ives)
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 09:31 PM

As sung by Burl Ives on _More Folksongs_:

I had an old dog; his name was Blue,
And I bet you five dollars he's a good one too,
Saying, come on, Blue, mm-mm.

Blue chased a possum up a 'simmon tree,
Blue looked at the possum, possum looked at me,
Saying go on, Blue, you can have some too.

Bake that possum good and brown,
Leaving sweet potatoes round and round,
Saying come on, Blue, you can have some too.

Old Blue died, and he died so hard
That he jarred [charred?] the ground in my back yard,
Saying go on, Blue, I'm a-coming too.

I dug his grave with a silver spade,
And I let him down with a golden chain,
Saying go on, Blue, I'm a-coming too.

When I get to heaven, first thing I'll do,
I'll grab a horn and call for Blue,
Saying come on, Blue, finally got here too.
--
--- Joe Fineman [e-mail]

||: Taste is the esthetics of hypocrisy. :||

Subject: Lyr Add: COME ON, BLUE!
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 09:16 PM

Lyr. Add: COME ON, BLUE !

Come on, Blue! Come on, Blue!
Dere's a 'possum in Heabn fer me an' you!
So come on, Blue! Come on, Blue!

Soon old Blue died; I dug his grave
With a --- and a silver spade.
Come on, Blue! Come on, Blue!

I let him down with a golden chain,
And every link I called his name.
Come on, Blue! Come on, Blue!

Now since Blue haft gone to Heavn,
I says, "Go on, Blue! Go on Blue!
Dere's a 'possum in Heavn fer me an' you."

Collcted from Mississippi Negroes, MS. of W. P. Cassidy; 1909.
E. C. Perrow, "Songs and Rhymes from the South," Jour. American Folklore, 1911, v. 25, pp. `37-155, no. 17.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,Alexis
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 03:25 AM

Tennessee Ernie Ford did a nice version of "Ol' Blue". I had the Lp til I wore it out. It's out of print now - but was from the late 1950s. Other songs on that record included "Pretty Little Pink" and "Barbara Allen".

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 08:56 PM

I did "Ol' Blue" on my first LP about 1975 --- as a vehicle in which to insert my version of Richard Chase's "THE SPLIT DOG" --a very tall tale. And Guy Carawan had a fine version of it out in the 1960s.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Stewie
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 08:02 PM

Recordings of the songs you mention - 'Old Blue', 'Big Rock Candy Mt', 'Hard Traveling' and 'Talking Dust Bowl' which has the 'stew/politicians' line - have been reissued on Cisco Houston 'Best of the Vanguard Years' Vanguard CD 79574-2. I have no idea whether they are from the LP which you are seeking, but they all came from a single LP - 'The Cisco Special' VRS 9057.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 04:40 PM

Cisco Houston did an album with "Old Blue" on it. Unfortunately I have forgotten the title. Also on it were: Big Rock Candy Mountain, ? Hard Travelling (or possibly "I've been doing some Hard Travelling"), and a talking blues (with the inimitable line "If that there stew had been a little bit thinner, some of these here politicians could have seen through it"), among others.

If anyone knows the name of this album, do let me know.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Jul 04 - 12:23 AM

Still prefer the old Jackson. Sniff, sniff, sob.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Amos
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 11:40 PM

Well, it's purdy, but not the most genuine recording of Blue that I have heard. He had a fine voice, that Paul Ott, I swan.

A

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Cruiser
Date: 15 Jul 04 - 11:36 PM

The best version of 'Ole Blue' I have ever heard was by Paul Ott on a late 1960's episode of The Wilburns Brothers Show.

This version is available from Paul on his website "Listen to the Eagle"

A song sample can be heard by:
Clicking on the link below, click on Paul Ott Music on the top of the page, then scroll down to the 'Ole Blue' sample.

http://www.listentotheeagle.com/

I plan on ordering the 13 track CD. ($15.00 plus $5.00 shipping) This song by Paul it not available on any other CD that I know of.

Cruiser

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 03:06 PM

Old Blue was applied to horses, even in the west. American Memory has a bio. about a man who had a horse, Old Blue, in the 1870s in New Mexico and Texas. I think you may be right, Paddymac. There are other references as well.
Giles County in the Jackson song is in Virginia (I thought it was on a Georgia tape of mine, but I "disremembered."

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,paddymac
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 06:30 AM

Sorry, Folks, I just realized my cookie has apparently crumbled again. Got to get it fixed before I get the blues, in another use of the color reference.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 06:28 AM

I suppose that some things (dogs included) might be called "blue" in reference to their perceived color, but in back country Florida, color is irrelevant. Folks lovingly refer to dogs, horses, rifles, shotguns, trucks, friends, even spouses, as "Ol' Blue." The usage usually implies a long-standing relationship with the thing or person, and a substantial sense of reliability and constancy, or perhaps just familiar predictability. I'd say the term is mostly one of respectful endearment.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: GUEST,John Gray / Australia
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 05:54 PM

Catspaw49
Not to forget our Queensland Blue Heeler. Wonderful working cattle & sheep dog.

JG / FME

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 05:36 PM

Dicho - I remember hearing the country western version of "Ol' Rattler" on the radio back in the 1940's but I doubt if I can dredge up the verses: "Here, Rattler, here!" My favorite dog song is "Dead Dog Cider" with a "Rise Again" break before the last verse.;-)

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 03:21 PM

Charley, I wrote a little bit with tongue in cheek. Please post Rush's version, the more the merrier, and the prospective user will have more material from which to get ideas.
We also need more "Rattler" songs. He varied all the way from a huntin' dog to a chase dog to catch escapees. I can't post any because of dim memories.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 02:15 PM

Dicho - you're undoubtably right on the origin of the terms "silver spade" and "golden chain" which also probably explains why Peabody Coal named one of its giant earth rippers "The Silver Spade." I still think Tom Rush nailed it but sing what you feel fits.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Stewie
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 08:40 PM

I do not have access to the book, but Paul Oliver, in his ''Songsters & Saints', refers the curious to Odum and Johnson 'Negro Workaday Songs' for 'silver spade' motif, pp 129, 198.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 07:51 PM

The verse refers to the old spirituals and hymns with the image of links of chain; ""Ev'ry link bearing Jesus' name," to take a line from one of them. Images of gold and silver abound in these religious songs of the poor and the downtrodden; the images are a part of the life of blacks and whites alike in rural areas of the south. The singer is showing his love for, and mourning the loss of, his closest companion. The song reflects the beliefs of these people and loses both feeling and authenticity in the hands of a folk singer who does not understand his material, as is obviously the case with Tom Rush.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 04:47 PM

Don't believe anyone has mentioned Tom Rush's rendition, back in the 1960's on his At The Unicorn album. I still prefer his rewording of one of the traditional verses; at least I think it's his rewording:

I dug his grave with a RUSTY spade,
And lowered him down in the DRIVING RAIN.

Silver spades and golden chains are a little pricey for a backwoods hound.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 01:52 PM

Joe asked for other versions. Please add to the string. My favorite dog song.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: bob schwarer
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 01:11 PM

I have a version by Cisco Houston from long ago

Bob S.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 11:34 AM

Thanks, Stewie. I knew it was familiar, but couldn't remember. I know nothing about Jackson other than the song, which someone put on a tape for me.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Stewie
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 03:47 AM

For those interested, there was a fascinating discussion of 'red dresses', 'dressing in red' etc in folksong and folklore at the BALLAD-L site some time ago. Click on the 'dressing-in-red' entries on this page:

Click Here

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Stewie
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 03:16 AM

Dicho, it is the familiar line: 'with the red dress on'. It is just that Jackson slurs 'dress' a bit. He recorded it for Vocalion in Chicago on 22 January 1928 - Vo 1146.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 01:11 AM

Can anyone help with the missing word? I seem to recall this 2-line interjection from another song.

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD DOG BLUE (from Jim Jackson)^^
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 12:55 AM

Lyr Add: OLD DOG BLUE

I'm goin' back to whar I'm from,
I'm goin' back to whar I'm from,
I'm goin' back to Giles County.
My wife died and left me a bounty.
We done pretty good, jacked around,
That's the reason why I'm goin' back to Giles County.

I had an old dog whose name was Blue,
You know that Blue was mighty true.
You know that Blue was a good old dog,
Blue treed a 'possum in a hollow log.
You know from that he's a good old dog.

Blue treed a 'possum out on a limb,
Blue looked at me and I looked at him,
Rapped that 'possum and put him in a sack,
"Do fer me, Blue, 'til I get back."

"Hey, Ring! Yeah, Ring Here! (1)
Hey Ring! Hey, Ring here!"
Who's been here since I been gone,
Little baby girl with the (resins?) on. (2)
Who's been here since I been gone,
Little baby girl with the (resins?) on.

Old Blue's feet was big and round,
Old Blue's feet was big and round,
Never 'lowed a 'possum to tech the ground.
Me and Blue went out on a hunt.
Blue treed a 'possum in a hollow stump.
You know that Blue was a good old dog.
Blue treed a 'possum in a hollow log,
You know from that he's a good old dog.

Old Blue died and I dug his grave, (3)
I dug his grave with a silver spade,
I let him down with a golden chain,
With every link I called his name.

Oh Blue, you good dog you,
Ol' Blue you good dog you,
Blue laid down and died like a man,
Blue laid down and died like a man.
Now he's treein' 'possums in the promised land.

I'm goin' to tell you this jes' to let you know,
Old Blue's gone where the good dogs go.
When I hear old Blue's bark,
When I hear old Blue bark,
Blue's treed a 'possum in Noah's ark.
Blue's treed a 'possum in Noah's ark.

Jim Jackson, with guitar. Recorded about 1928 (Must find the note). (1) Typical holler when coming to a cabin; hard to decipher. (2) Word not understood. Red things? (3) Similar words in spirituals and hymns.
@animal @dog @blues^^

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Giac
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 12:39 AM

You naw-tha-nahs jest ain't cooth.

Pomi Ray Nian

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Louie Roy
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 12:16 AM

I have this song on a 78 that I purchased in the 1940s Louie Roy

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 12:10 AM

Mr. Saeshon,

Pay no attention to that big nosed bitch! What Blue needs is a classy lady of high standards to put him right.

Most Cordially,

Pembroke Corgi

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 12:00 AM

Dear Al Saeshon,

I would like to meet this leg humper you mention as a hard man is good to find.

Sincerely,

Sal Lukey

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:40 PM

Who's been usng my name?!! I demand to know!

Stop HOUNDING me!

Pure DOGGEREL!

You BITCH!

By the way, "Harvesting" still sounds to me like a term used in a sperm bank!

That whole introduction that Mitch Jayne does on the Dillard's "Live" (almost) album, is hilarious. Holds up really well (as they do). He continues: "Down south, we treat dogs a little different than you folks in L.A. do. Well, first of all, we don't trim 'em up into little white balls like you do....and we definitely don't put rhinestone collars on 'em......if there was a rhinestone collar to spare, it went to GRANDMA!"

Newly discovered verse to "Old Blue"

"Had a Dog and his name was Blue,

'loved all the gals on the avenue

They'd say "THAT'S CUTE", when he'd sit and beg

and "Holy Shit" when he'd hump their leg".

yer a revoltin' dog Blue.

Down, big fella!

Cheers

Al Saeshon

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Amos
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:30 PM

I actually believe Burl Ives also recorded Old Blue. But I have heard it from a dozen artists a lot older that the Byrds. I suspect that chain gang origin to be the earliest we're gonna find.

A

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:12 PM

Well, the bobert will throw his two cents in. Right around that time, the Byrds recorded the song on the "Dr Byrds and Mr Hyde" album. Though I've heard the Dillards version, I persoanlly like the Byrds better...

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:09 PM

That'd be it Joe!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:05 PM

Hey, Spaw, that was almost erudite. Is this (click) the variety of dog referred to in "old blue"?
-Joe-

---

I suppose we'd better post these lyrics by Rick Fielding, so he doesn't feel left out:

Had a rotwieler, and his name was Blue. Betcha five dollars he could eat you too. Chew up your carcass, spit out the bones. He's a whole lotta muscle and dog hormones. Yo Blue, yer a good dog you. ©Rick Fielding, 2001

Subject: RE: Old Dog Named Blue
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 10:56 PM

My most favorite recording was done by Guy Carawan back in the late fifties.