Web Exclusive: Watch John Perform His Favorite Blues Song

[sharonc]

When John taped A&E's Private Sessions With Lynn Hoffman in December he warmed up for the session by playing a song called "Delia" first recorded by Blind Willie McTell 71 years ago as part of producer Alan Lomax's sessions for the Library of Congress. John recently raved about the song to Rolling Stone Online.

[turmbird]

Thanks a lot for this video!
this is a great version of a great song. last year I was lucky to find a vinyl copy of "The Legendary Library of Congress Session" by Blind Willie McTell. great songs and impressive field notes by John A. Lomax (who did the field-recordings with his son Alan):
" After guiding him to the car I told him I didnt know the way to the hotel. "I´ll show you," said totally Blind Willy. Between us and the hotel were six or eight right angled towns and two places where five or six streets crossed. Chatting all the while with me, Blind Willy called every turn, even mentioning the location of the stop lights. He gave the names of buildings as we passed them. Stored in his mind was an accurate detailed photograph of Atlanta."

McTell´s original version is a little faster, but John adds his typical flavour and sings much better. sad music is the best music!