Won't Sing It....Don't Even Ask.
Well, it makes you wonder.
Johnny Rawls DIDN'T write it (Mack Rice did).
Wilson Pickett is the performer who made it famous, and it was covered by such other greats as Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Albert Collins, Rufus Thomas, Joe Cocker, and Delbert McClinton.
Even Hootie and the Blowfish put out a version.
So, why is this sticker on Johnny Rawls' guitar?.
Down in New Orleans, in the French Quarter, the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band had a sign stating they would play requests for $5 each but " Saints" would cost $10. They could charge more because it was VERY popular and they knew they could get more for playing it!
When I asked, the Charleston Blues Bash founder and promoter Gary Erwin (aka Shrimp City Slim), said he just assumed the man didn't want to sing it.
And - during his excellent show at Cumberlands - he didn't.
Labels: Hootie, Joe Cocker, Johnny Rawls, Mack Rice, Mustang Sally, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
posted by chucker @ 10:38 PM
3 Comments:
Hey Chuck!
The reason Johnny doesn't play Mustang Sally is because every cover band in the world plays that song, and it is overplayed. Although he performs songs from other artists, the majority of his show is his own material. But every once in a while, at least a couple of years ago, I have heard his band play it on the road . . . When Harvey was his drummer, Harvey would do the song, and Johnny would just play guitar. Harvey had a really great version of it, which made me laugh. It didn't happen often, though.
Peace!
denise
Thanks Denise for a concise and logical answer.
Did you notice I went back into the posting to correct what I said about the price the Preservation Hall Jazz Band charges to play "Saints?"
I just saw "Hurricane On The Bayou" at IMAX and the sign was in the film. I had it wrong.
Thanks for the comment.
Denise, take a look at my blog about going to New Orleans(4-27-07).
Mustang Sally could be heard in just about EVERY bar on Bourbon Street!
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