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Backwater Blues
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Wikipedia article
The song "'Backwater Blues'" is a blues and jazz standard written by Bessie Smith. Smith (on vocal with James P. Johnson on piano) recorded it as "'Back-water Blues'" on February 17, 1927, in New York City.
Background
The song has long been associated with the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. However, that flood was at its worst some two months after the song was written. Study of Smith's touring itinerary, of testimony of fellow entertainers who toured with her, and of contemporary reports indicates that the song was written in response to the flood that struck Nashville, Tennessee on Christmas Day 1926. The Cumberland River, which flows through the city, rose above its normal level, still a record .
Composition
The lyrics are in the often-used AAB blues format. The words vary from one performer to another; this opening verse is representative:
See also
* List of jazz standards
References
Category:Songs about floods
Category:1927 songs
Category:1920s jazz standards
Category:American songs
Category:Blues songs
Category:Bessie Smith songs
Category:Columbia Records singles
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