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When You Got a Good Friend
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Wikipedia article
"'When You Got a Good Friend'" is a blues song recorded on November 23, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas, by legendary bluesman Robert Johnson. The song was unissued until 1961, when it was included on the LP 'King of the Delta Blues Singers'.
Johnson performed the song in the key of E, and recorded two takes, the second of which was used for the LP.Dixon, Robert M. W., John Godrich, & Howard Rye (1997) 'Blues and Gospel Records 1890-1943 Fourth edition', Oxford University Press, Both takes are included on the album 'The Complete Recordings'.
The song uses the melody made popular by the hit record 'M & O Blues' by Walter Davis. Johnson composed two songs to this melody - "Ramblin' On My Mind" and "When You Got A Good Friend" - with different musical approaches and different guitar tunings, although both were in the key of E.Komara, Edward (2007). 'The Road to Robert Johnson, The genesis and evolution of blues in the Delta from the late 1800s through 1938'. pp. 47-48. Hal Leonard.
Eric Clapton recorded the song for the 2004 album 'Me and Mr. Johnson'.
References
Category:Songs about friendship
Category:Robert Johnson songs
Category:Songs written by Robert Johnson
Category:1937 songs
Category:Vocalion Records singles
Category:Song recordings produced by Don Law
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