“Sweet Home Chicago” has been recorded by countless blues musicians, though who actually penned the tune is a matter of some controversy. Sure, it’s officially credited to Robert Johnson, but blues historians offer a host of similar songs that came into existence before Sweet Home. There’s Kokomo Arnold’s “Old Orignal Kokomo Blues”, for example, which is nearly identical rhythmically, and even asks “Baby, don’t you want to go?”
You’ve been listening to Little Junior Parker’s 1958 version. Parker established a pretty impressive pedigree early on in his career. He was mentored by Sonny Boy Williamson, cut his teeth with Howlin Wolf, and went on to play with the likes of Johnny Ace and BB King.
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