Blind Willie McTell has long been one of the most revered Bluesmen, and his Statesboro Blues is one of the classic standards. Dylan opted for songs like Broke Down Engine Blues, which probably fit his mood at the time, eventually shaping a song around Blind Willie that has become a classic in itself, sung by many, including the surviving members of the Allman Brothers, who probably did the most to call attention to McTell with their unparalled version of Statesboro Blues. Here is one of their recent versions of the song, performed live at the Beacon Theater in 2003. The classic recording can be found on their quintessential album, At Filmore East (1971). McTell is also featured in R. Crumb's Heroes of the Blues, which was originally conceived as a set of collectable cards. Here is McTell singing Statesboro Blues.
Here's a link to the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, held annually in Thomson, Georgia,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.blindwillie.com/