Re: Blue. Stomps, & Rags 25
Originally Posted by
Bill Findley
Yes, it’s after the beginning bit that the similarities start to happen. Or don’t you find similarities? Wish we had the history; cross-fertilization is so interesting.
You're right, Bill. When I listen to the two pieces back to back, they do sound like interpretations of the same tune. Wonder who was first? Or did both musicians get the tune from a third party? Many tunes are credited to and copyrighted by different "composers." Someone had to make up a tune originally, but others may either have forgotten that they didn't compose the tune or are trying to get extra royalties for being the writer. Some are just rip-off artists, getting money at another person's expense.
Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
"I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.
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