MINI BIO – SLS

Immersing myself in the musical offerings of my fellow melody enthusiasts has been an absolute delight. Each shared track opened new doors, introducing me to artists I’d never encountered and fresh interpretations of beloved classics. The experience was a powerful reminder of music’s eternal nature and remarkable ability to mend the soul. As I pondered my contribution to this musical exchange, I drew blanks beyond the familiar territory of standards. Rather than force a conventional choice, I ventured into uncharted waters. Taking a bold step away from my usual selections, I dove deep into my carefully curated blues collection – a genre I rarely explore in these challenges. What I discovered there was nothing short of magical – a hidden treasure patiently waiting for its moment to shine. Like a dusty gem catching the light for the first time, this blues piece emerged from the depths of my collection, ready to share its brilliance.

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Let me share with you this incredible musical journey that starts with “Work with Me, Annie,” a deliciously cheeky rhythm and blues gem that burst onto the scene in 1954. Hank Ballard and The Midnighters crafted this irresistible tune with its playful winks and nudges, wrapped in an infectious melody that just makes you want to move. The song’s magic lies in its teasing nature – never crossing the line but dancing right up to it with a mischievous grin.

But here’s where my musical adventure takes an exciting turn. While exploring the blues rabbit hole, I stumbled upon Snooky Pryor’s take on this classic from his 1999 album “Shake My Hand.” Oh, what a discovery! Pryor takes this already spicy number and adds his own special sauce – that soul-stirring harmonica of his weaves through the melody like a river of pure blues feeling. He doesn’t just cover the song; he reimagines it, breathing new life into those suggestive lyrics with his raw, authentic blues voice while his harmonica tells stories of its own.

It’s like finding a cherished vintage photograph that’s been lovingly restored and enhanced, keeping all its original charm while adding new layers of depth and character. Pryor’s version is a beautiful testament to how great music can evolve while staying true to its roots, creating something that feels both wonderfully familiar and excitingly fresh.

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Lyrics:

Song by Hank Ballard

(guitar intro)

(Oooh!)
Work with me, Annie
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Work with me, Annie
Ooo-wee!
Work with me, Annie
Work with me, Annie

Work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

Annie, please don’t cheat
(va-oom, va-oom, va-oom, va-oom)
Give me all my meat (ooo!)
Ooo-hoo-wee
So good to me

Work with me Ann-ie-e
Now, let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

A-ooo, my-ooo
My-ooo-ooo-wee
Annie, oh how you thrill me
Make my head go round and round
And all my love come dow-ow-own
(Ooo!)

Work with me, Annie
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Work with me, Annie
Don’t be ‘shamed
To work with me, Annie
Call my name
Work with me, Annie

A-work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

So Good!

(guitar & instrumental)

Oh, our hot lips kissing
(a-um, a-um, a-um, a-um)
Girl, I’ll beg mercy
Oh, hugging and more teasing
Don’t want no freezing

A-work with me, Ann-ie-e
Let’s get it while the gettin’ is good

(So good, so good, so good, so good)

Ooo-ooo
Umm-mmm-mmm
Ooo-ooo-ooo

FADES

Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo.

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While treasure hunting in my blues archive, something magical happened – you know how music just grabs you sometimes? There I was, ready to wrap things up, when the blues spirits themselves seemed to whisper, “Hold up now, we’ve got more stories to tell!” And just like that, this hypnotic groove reached out and caught me, channeling the spirit of the legendary John Lee Hooker himself. That unmistakable rhythm, that raw, pulsing energy – it was impossible to resist.

And I wasn’t the only one feeling it! There was Guppy, my faithful furry companion, already swaying to the beat. In a moment of pure joy, I reached for her paws, and we shared this impromptu dance party. Reality (and our respective ages) quickly reminded us to take a seat, but that groove? Oh, it wasn’t letting go! So there we were, two old souls – me in my trusty chair, Guppy on her favorite pillow – still caught up in the rhythm, still moving and grooving, still feeling that blues magic work its way through our bones.

You know those perfect little moments when music just takes over, and age becomes just a number? This was one of those precious times when the blues reached out and reminded us that you’re never too old to feel the rhythm, never too dignified to let loose and wiggle along with the beat. Guppy and I might not be spring chickens anymore, but in that moment, we were timeless dancers in our own little blues club.

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Let me tell you about this absolute gem I uncovered – “Got to Have Money” by Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson. Talk about finding the perfect blues treasure! This piece just oozes that authentic Chicago blues spirit, the kind that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. Johnson doesn’t just play the blues; he lives and breathes it through every note, every guitar lick, every word that flows from his lips.

You know those songs that just tell it like it is? This is one of those honest-to-goodness truth-tellers. Johnson wraps his gritty, soulful voice around a story we all know too well – that endless dance with the almighty dollar. But it’s not just about the message; it’s how he delivers it. Those guitar riffs? Pure magic! They weave through the song like a conversation, sometimes whispering, sometimes crying out, but always speaking straight to the heart.

And that groove! Oh my goodness, that groove! It’s the kind that gets under your skin and makes your feet move whether you want them to or not. Johnson has this incredible way of taking something as universal as money troubles and turning it into this beautiful, moving piece of art that makes you feel less alone in your struggles. It’s like he’s sitting right there with you, nodding his head and saying, “Yeah, I’ve been there too, friend.”

This is exactly why I love diving into these blues archives – you never know when you’ll surface with a piece that speaks such raw truth while making your spirit dance at the same time.

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Lyrics:

Yes, a little drive by upon the hill
And this is where It begin to start
Mama told Papa, said “Pack up son!”
“We gonna leave this sow land again”

I was just a little bitty boy
′Bout the age of five
Too much work
Not enough money
This what it’s all about

Got to have money
Got to have some money, y′all
Got to have money
Got to have some money, y’all

Muddy Waters got money
Lightnin’ Hopkins got it too
Tyrone got money
Want me some money too

Got to have money
Can′t get along without it
Got to have some money
Can′t get along without it

I used to have you water
15 bottles
For 15 cents a day
Shame a boy my age
Worked so hard everyday

But now I’m grown
I′m on my own
And this I want you to know
If you want me to work for you, baby
You got to give me big dough

‘Cause I got to have money
Got to have money, y′all
Can’t get along without it
Got to have money, y′all

They say money is a sign for sympathy
The root of all evil
If this is what money really is
Call the Doctor ’cause I got a fever

I got to have money
Got to have money, y’all
Can′t get along without it
Got to have money, y′all

Got to have some money
Got to have some money
I got to have some money

Writer(s): John T Williams

Here is the link to the challenge. Thanks Jim for hosting I had blast with one.

Work Harder Day