Catfish John

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Catfish John"
Single by Johnny Russell
from the album Catfish John / Chained
B-side"Promises of Your Love"
ReleasedNovember 6, 1972
GenreCountry
Length2:48
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)Allen Reynolds
Bob McDill
Producer(s)Jerry Bradley
Johnny Russell singles chronology
"Rain Falling on Me"
(1972) 		"Catfish John"
(1972) 		"Chained"
(1973)

"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds first released on McDill's album Short Stories,[1] and subsequently recorded and released by American country music artist Johnny Russell.[2] It was released in November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained".[3] The song is credited with propelling Bob McDill into the front ranks of country songwriters.[3]

The song has also been performed by Jerry Garcia (Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In the Way), as well as other musicians.[4] Toots Hibbert recorded the song on Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead (Pow Wow), a Grateful Dead tribute album.[5][6] It has also been performed and recorded by Alison Krauss and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Content[]

The song is a story about a former slave, which emphasizes difficulties of the everyday life for Black people at the time.[7]

Chart performance[]

Chart (1972–73) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles[8] 12
Canadian RPM Country Tracks 3

References[]

  1. ^ "Short Stories - Bob McDill". AllMusic. November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  2. ^ "Johnny Russell Album Discography". AllMusic. November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Edward Morris Songwriter Bob McDill Talks About His Many Hits Legendary Tunesmith Submits to Rare Interview at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum July 4, 2008 CMT News
  4. ^ Robert Margolis Trey, Weir Honor Garcia Disciples and old friends honor late Dead frontman in Berkeley Sep 26, 2005 Rolling Stone
  5. ^ Mike Joyce New Releases: Pop The Washington Post June 16, 1996
  6. ^ FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN' CELEBRATES GRATEFUL DEAD MUSIC August 8, 1996, All Things Considered on NPR
  7. ^ Randall, Alice; Carter Little; Courtney Little (2006). My Country Roots: The Ultimate MP3 Guide to America's Original Outsider Music. Thomas Nelson, Inc. pp. 92. ISBN 1-59555-860-8.
  8. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. pp. 463–464. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.


Stub icon

This 1970s country song–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

  • v
  • t
Retrieved from ""