Canned Heat - Going up the Country (1969)

Canned Heat is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group has been noted for its interpretations of blues material and for its efforts to promote interest in this type of music and its original artists. It was launched by two blues enthusiasts, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, who took the name from Tommy Johnson's 1928 "Canned Heat Blues", a song about an alcoholic who had desperately turned to drinking Sterno, generically called "canned heat" (from the original 1914 product name Sterno Canned Heat), After appearances at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals at the end of the 1960s, the band acquired worldwide fame with a lineup consisting of Hite (vocals), Wilson (guitar, harmonica and vocals), Henry Vestine and later Harvey Mandel (lead guitar), Larry Taylor (bass), and Adolfo de la Parra (drums).

[@zenmeister451]

I'm 74 years old now. Boy, do I miss those days... Great band!!!

[@barbarasteed3966]

Me to 74 glad I made it threw a mountain made of shit...

[@zenmeister451]

@@barbarasteed3966 Barbara, so glad that you are a survivor. Whatever it was that you went through, at least you now have a pile of experience, and hopefully the wisdom that goes with it to pass on to others. Namaste.

[@francoamerican111]

I'm 75 and I miss those days too!

[@AdrianRodriguez-yk1qg]

Debieron ser grandiosos esos días.🤗🤗

[@amandabrand4065]

❤

[@Revolt2exist]

Alan had such a precious beautiful smile and soul may his spirit be forever. i love hearing him sing and play.

[@tonyaharmon1383]

An Old Soul!!

[@billhorstkamp98]

Me too ☮️

[@martysmith5260]

An often forgotten member of the "27 Club." (He suffered horrible bouts of depression.) He just couldn't stand the pain anymore.

[@JulesTools23]

@@martysmith5260it’s been said that Alan had pills in his pants, when found. I don’t think he committed suicide.

[@Revolt2exist]

and that is why I admire his intelligence and musicality, I as well suffer with depression I understand him

[@jerryumfress9030]

I was fortunate enough to grow up in the 60s and 70s there will never be another time like this

[@jamestokyo877]

Don’t worry, the stealing of African American culture and music, to enrich the privileged continues to this very day.

[@llewvirtue861]

The best days ever, greed spoilt it

[@Festerbestertester6]

The kids are growing up learning to play video games instead of musical instruments.

[@asstard1000]

Lucky SOB lol

[@moose8896]

@@Festerbestertester6 nah c'mon music and humans will always go together

[@Flars-rd5ob]

My son ( age 36) said to me "I can`t get this song out of my head and I don`t even know the words!" He hummed a few notes and I said "Going Up the Country" by Canned Heat! I felt so knowledgeable (LOL). BTW, I`m 74, also.

[@rigelmoon9030]

Alan had that pitch imperfect voice...No one else was like him.

[@eagleeye2300]

Completely unique voice. What a fabulous song, true classic.

[@larryn2682]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYrcaGRsr9KLma8

[@Dr.Thirteen]

Tommy johnson imitation

[@vincentconti3633]

All their stuff is awesome...blind hockey buggy...had an eight track that would slide around on the floor of my 57 Ford!!!

[@carlsaganlives6086]

@@vincentconti3633 In a pottery/art class in high school early 70's there was a record player, no cover, and a jumbled box of records some in covers others not, all coated with clay dust. Most were shit, but a few good ones mixed in were "Hooker &Heat", an early Johnny Winter disc, which I heard every day. Good times!

[@lscheelar9988]

@@Dr.Thirteen A😂😲😀😂

[@MrMoggyman]

There certainly were a lot of things that were messed up in the 60's and 70's. Fortunately music was not. These songs are timeless. Having lived through that time, it can only be described as magical with so many talented musical artists.

[@garyschneider8829]

It's just so sad that Alan Wilson ; aka Blind Owl left the earth that he loved , so early... RIP Blind Owl

[@brodysova-zj4pc]

Amen to that

[@elishevacapobianco-s1960]

I was only a 10 year old girl in 1970 but I agree ! Thankfully my brothers were all older and turned me on to all of the great music of the time.

[@JulesTools23]

@@garyschneider8829and Bob Bear Hite as well, relatively speaking. Him and his lady approached my sister in law and I, at my bank parking lot in the late 70’s. I was on crutches (but no cast, as I had a rod put through my femur), and his lady had recently gone through brain surgery (I believe is what she said), and they wanted to know about my situation. Had a lovely conversation and was invited to their place in Box Cyn, to listen to what Bear described as his extensive record collection. A few short years later, he had passed as well.🙏💜 The details of both Bob and Alan’s passing are heartbreakingly sad! Ty for mentioning Alan’s passing 🤘 I believe he and Bear started the band as a joke…but both were heavy blues aficionados. Boy, they’re most definitely feeling no pain in this one, rotfl! Love their playful spirit!🤘😂🍷 edited due to being asleep while typing

[@pamelasalyers5554]

Copy you brother . Peace

[@roniveeflorida727]

No music will ever compare to the music from the 60s and 70s... Sure miss those days of love, peace and good wholesome rock and roll...

[@Retro-Records]

This song is almost the same musically as the 1928 song this is based on. Henry Thomas - Bull Doze Blues

[@miguelangelpietri5570]

Esa misica es de los años 20.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Peace and Love, Baby!

[@levak8740]

You are absolutely right!

[@yvonnejohnston2467]

When this was played everyone got up and danced..crazy times and great to be growing up in the 60.s .🤞

[@TheKatielina07]

I was in my 20's and will never forget the best music to keep life on a high note...It is forever ❣️

[@zd1640]

you are so lucky, i hhave to grow up with everyone tryna be wabbe gangster

[@lennyoatman5451]

Absolutely. I was one who got up and danced.

[@karlbremer2340]

Damm right....I Waz there....Wish I could go Back. 😒🤗👽😎

[@donaldmorris2750]

Im with that band danced to be worn out oh yeah

[@Sheilena1]

I'm 64 now and I still get a smile on my face ever listening to that classic.

[@lynnturman8157]

You can knit a sweater by the fireside....

[@johncordora4941]

MY FAVORITE YEAR !!! AH WOODSTOCK !!!!!!

[@GREG62944]

Time to Rock the Blues.

[@thinkorthwim69]

Whacked out crazy drugged out days of the summer of love . Woodstock and so many other memorable moments make me want it back again over and over again. They were one of my favorites in the day. Also Doors, Cream, Hollies but also Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Elvis and all this other talent from England starting with the BEATLES. Never did they write a bad song. What an amazing wonderful time it was and I really feel sorry for people not able to be a part of that whole generation. Total acceptance and non judging people. Nobody got offended or upset over trivial issues NOR did they blame others for their failures in their lives. People cannot imagine how great the times were. I was lucky to be there when it all unfolded magically but just as now it is disappearing magically before my eyes. The total disintegration of a great place to live to the current challenging place to live. Peace

[@bonzomcduffy8336]

That video is hilarious and it's good to see Alan Wilson smiling.

[@MrBlankebw]

The kids of today will never have music or anything as good as we had 🏁🇺🇸👍

[@stillwatching3255]

This music sucks. Today’s music is way better. Everyone has different tastes and there is all kinds of music. You guys all listen to the same crap.

[@ohreally8929]

@@stillwatching3255 Yeah, that's why you're on here listening to "crap" music that sucks then going into the comment section to troll out of jealousy. Poor baby.

[@deanl0]

@@ohreally8929 After all those years he stilllistening , donno much about his music today, how long it's gonna last...🦉

[@LPJack02]

RIP the four members of Canned Heat Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson (July 4, 1943 - September 3, 1970), aged 27 Bob “The Bear” Hite (February 26, 1943 - April 5, 1981), aged 38 Henry “The Sunflower” Vestine (December 25, 1944 - October 20, 1997), aged 52 Larry “The Mole” Taylor (June 26, 1942 - August 19, 2019), aged 77 You will always be remembered as legends.

[@taylorsmith9418]

And Frank cook

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Only Fito is left now.

[@robertbetz8461]

I love the bass line. My dad got this 45from a friend who was changing out the record in his bar's jukebox. I played it 100s of times.

[@danneumann3274]

alan looks so happy here. Great to see him smile like this

[@edhorst7212]

Time Machine travels would be enjoyed with such great bands, music of our younger days..71 years young, still enjoy spinning an album of those years/ times. Bringing a smile when transported to excellent music & happenings 🎶🎶✌️

[@lindahunter4545]

Oh, yes...There will never be another band like Canned Heat.They're music was absolutely great 👍 👌 There's much more great music out there by Canned Heat, too. Truly a great band 👏 👌 👍

[@MargaretGarberina]

😢Every time this song played at Okie Joe's in Albuquerque, a friend of a guy I knew would just get up quick, wherever we were, whatever we were doing, and even whoever we might be with. It just was our thing, and dance. I will always remember that song and good times. I wonder what happened to him, and if he remembers our song....was in graduate school then. He was a 5th year business major.

[@haywoodalanhayhorr8052]

I'm 127 years old now - how I miss the music of the late 1960's!

[@maurinesmith552]

🤩 I'm impressed! A!

[@markpigott5544]

This was a totally off the grid tune, magical and a time capsule immemorial

[@larryleitch3803]

Canned Heat was in their own league. Always a pleasure to listen to ☺️

[@janeough45]

Larry they were the ultimate in greatness , my eyes lite up whenever i heard them,, they still do ha ha what a band

[@larryleitch3803]

@@janeough45 Jane, I must know you,, if you are half the fan of Canned Heat that I am. Take care and have a wonderful life.

[@mang1953]

Sure takes me back to my 1970 adventures in Central California's Big Sur sleeping on the beach as a teen during spring break. Can't do that now!

[@1sttvbn]

My mom was a Big Sur beauty.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Can't do a lot of things now... covid not withstanding.

[@Go1US1Marines]

I slept on the beach near Big Sur on spring break in March 1970. Me and my college buddy, Bernie met a bunch of free spirits and joined them for a once in a lifetime experience. Woke up to a whale blowing and breaching just a few yards offshore. Skinny dipped. Rinsed off in a little waterfall. I thought I was in heaven.

[@georgettemartin5996]

ME TOO 1971!! CROSS COUNTRY BY thumb

[@williamschirmacher6526]

Can't do anything anymore. We love in a dictatorship

[@quig66]

Blind Owl - gone way too soon. What an underrated talent he was.

[@rugerkidd2076]

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooooooooo soooooon!!!!

[@mikepatrick5909]

27

[@JohnJohnson-cn9fh]

right there.jpj

[@juanr1956]

not underrated... when you listen to him..his voice and songs takes everyone to the hippie era.

[@quig66]

@@juanr1956 not underrated? No one talks about Blind Owl unless his fans do - the man was an underrated musician and singer.

[@Bolanboogie10]

Alan was a beautiful soul inside and out.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

They all looked so happy, especially Alan.

[@MasonWebster]

Alan Christie Wilson - RIP what an amazing voice you had!! Keep on rocking man

[@josephmeiler5318]

18 then still loving it at 70!!!

[@49558201]

Angelo State U. class of 73.....Rocky mt. high.......good luck, Mr.Soul.....

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

Man being born in 2004, really was an unfortunate experience

[@pauljansky7971]

this band was great saw them in concert in around-1975--it was ouside and very hot day but we had a lot of fun and they sounded great- sure miss those days

[@stacylangford8015]

Love this guy's voice. RIP brother

[@normangale3159]

What a brilliant group; makes me wonder how or why we were so blessed to have this standard of music in our lives.

[@geraldo6205]

at least 100 artists and bands what great karma!

[@kellykma71]

My favorite! Alan looks so happy here! 🥰

[@letemroll7871]

It´s playback, and he´s goofing around.

[@alfajuj]

Blind Owl was a true talent, probably the greatest harmonica player of all time, and he was also a practical music historian.

[@alphonseumba3760]

I was a kid when I heard this music in the early 70s...... I still love it.

[@TrackMonkey327]

Great song. Alan Wilson (lead singer & guitarist) left us way too soon. RIP, Alan.

[@michellevaughan4071]

Love that smile ,"Blind Owl" Alan C. Wilson !!!!!

[@maureenmetcalfe8558]

He looked like such a nerd and then just blows us away...

[@KittyGrizGriz]

He’s adorable.

[@antoonsuijkerbuijk9577]

I was just 13 years old at 1968 and bought for my first earned money a transitor radio. This song brings me back to my room were I listen to radio Caroline and radio Nordsea. Such a good memories when I hear this song. Still got the orginal now playing in my Seeburg jukebox at 2021

[@Dean-qt3rp]

This is unbelievable. So totally cool. From 100 years ago in America. Only on America would this be created. My props to Henry Wilson. I always thought of this as "the greatest hippie song of all time". Little did i know.

[@johnmitchelljr]

Just like I remember seeing. Love Alan's smile. After seeing the Canned Heat for the first time Never been the same. Thank you. .

[@charlieo.farmer2468]

Greatest time to grow up , sadly I had to leave for Paris Island SC that year .

[@clos6613]

What a great track and what an amazing voice. They dont make music like this anymore. Where's that damn time travel machine so I can live my youth in this era. Outstanding

[@teddanyluk4602]

hey brother I can dig that I got about 450 of their songs lol on my iPad…on my phone. still groove to em!.. at 72! I think about the only one left now is Vito Dela para

[@WorldWarThree]

I was a guest in Bob Hite's home in the late 70s. I got to see his incredible record and film collection. It's current whereabouts are unknown.

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Alan Wilson is adorable; love his voice. Nice to see him smiling. Awesome band!

[@robynsegg]

FINALLY!!!!!! For the longest time, I would hear this song on TV and had no idea who sang it or what it was called... and it would stick in my head for days... sometimes weeks... :/

[@stanrouz4395]

Have you been discovered yet. Love that Michael Jackson picture you have posted too.

[@hammer44head]

Great version of the Henry Thomas original blues song, please give the original a listen its pretty fantastic especially since it was recorded in 1928, with an unbelievable clean and clear sound for its time.

[@thegreatdivide825]

The original was crap

[@hammer44head]

@@thegreatdivide825 -like your opinion has any value, run along tadpole.

[@tonyaharmon1383]

@@hammer44head Agreed!!

[@tonyaharmon1383]

Thanks For The Idea!! Love Awesome Music!! Gypzzy from Virginia....

[@Anonymous-iv7zk]

Great to see the owl smiling!

[@michaelward9880]

Roger that!

[@peterfurdyna6516]

And the Bear playing, a recorder?!

[@vincentconti3633]

Blind owl!

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Al Wilson and Bob Hite proved that record collectors can be great musicians. And have a relentlessly euphoric time in the process. Both are greatly missed.

[@lecosta1379]

Alan Wilson sound like he was a very nice person. Hope he is in a good place.

[@sxrvsvct7911]

skate 3 got me into joy division and canned heat back in 2010 during middle school. pretty cool.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Would not change the 60's if I could. The BEST time of my life. Just wish the world could be more like that today.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Amen!

[@marciaferro2761]

I am 79 love it marcia

[@susanscott1755]

I went to a weekend blues festival January 1999 and was fortunate enough to see this awesome band...I love their style of music ❤☮💯

[@08dobbins71]

From a trucker here... best driving song ever.

[@johnmeye]

Fantastic vibe, Those were the days

[@anablanchfield4902]

Fantastic video and song love it thanks to the music enhancement network for uploading this fantastic video and song thank you 🌹💋👍💋🌹💋👍👍👍👍

[@wesleyshepherd8971]

still great to this day. im 69 and still rocking to it.

[@snekjuce]

It's beautiful to see how music captures a viewpoint of the times that once were. This song was out about 6 years before the end of the vietnam war...14 years of their life prior to this point (1969) has been our country at war with Vietnam.. so many influences both known and unknown...the cameras only give us a small glimpse into a past that truly is not that far away...but damn is time fast..the styles...the clothing...the music...the cameras...the vibes....the dope ass hair..RIP

[@robertduff9058]

Pure magic! Love these guys! ✌👍

[@CarlosPT-hb6zb]

The symbol of Woodstock festival. My symbol. My music. MY LIFE. Thanks for all.

[@wendycooper2525]

So glad to hear this again. I was 29 at that time and it’s easy to forget.

[@notmypresident6350]

Songs from a famous group, Thank You,Thank You, GOD BLESS

[@Julie-we1xl]

Love it you always have to get up and boogie when they play happy hippie music good old days carefree and wild❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@klaasj7808]

good to see him happy here, he wasnt any longer at the end

[@janeough45]

ive always thought this classic as the best intro ever ,, this guys voice is stunning WOW wow , i still get so much pleasure hearing it agin it does things to my whole body long live the 60s era

[@DaveAnchovies]

that drum fill is perfect

[@williamsomerville-b6r]

Saw them in Kirkcaldy Fife Scotland in 1970/1. Blind owl was gone by that time but I still have memories of the concert. Support band was Stone the Crows effing good as well.

[@hildadidzena5216]

Rip Alan"l was 17"n love ur voice"best band in 60s God loves Canned Heat💞

[@robertgessler9243]

In spite of the severe conflicts rained upon so many, alot of artists still captured such positive beauty in their songs! It truly shows the power of music, lifting the emotional spirits in so very many longing people....

[@fredwilson7448]

The Blind Owl was one of the greatest singer/bottleneckers who ever lived.

[@robertocappadona3009]

I learnt bottle neck blues and slide harp to there beat . Lol

[@jeffcochran2195]

Amen brother just legendary man that it takes me back.. Miss those days, glad we had them when we were young. ✌ and ❤ 💯

[@brazillionairemma1373]

Definitely an extremely underrated guitarist and musician for the role they played in blues revival

[@thisisme3238]

Remember this song when I was much younger than I am now...brings back memories. Peace, love and all that...

[@bigdancd]

This was a smash hit right outta the gate! I absolutely loved Canned Heat. So sad with the early demise of Al Wilson.

[@johnmyers8493]

I've got 2 agree ,they were exceptional and 50+ years later I'm sticking canned heat on love them and looking at the age some of these lads died makes uz cry ! But there again their music keeps them alive ! It never ages great stuff doesn't !

[@CaptainGanja]

Love this tune, man!

[@michaelgreen5206]

OUTSTANDING, grew up with The Heat & am glad I did!!!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

This is absolute gold.Stay Gold Pony Boy ...you too Blind Owl.

[@TeaKayEm]

I am almost 75, and have to go up country with Canned Heat ever' once in a while

[@flyfishingfool5273]

Awesome songs. Canned Heat was so far ahead of their time. They would be billionaires today. ( Certainly more deserving than some of these current so called entertainers)

[@montanamornings8526]

Very few ever made money playing the Blues

[@tomfields3682]

Actually, They ripped off a 40 year old blues number called Bulldoze Blues to make Goin Up the Country.

[@flyfishingfool5273]

Thanks Tom, interesting! I didn't know that.

[@freeman7079]

🙄

[@ChuckDeFuque]

The last time I saw them was in a small club in upstate NY, shortly before Bear died, as usual they were great!

[@trevorgibb1019]

I'm goin I'm goin where the water tastes like wine, I'm goin where the water tastes like wine. If we jump in the water we can stay drunk all the time! great song. A timeless classic.

[@donaldmorris2750]

Such good times

[@iggyguy88897]

Yeah shows he was quite unhappy with in himself .

[@user-gh8wt2zi2n]

@@iggyguy88897 as are most artists

[@nolanschmidt5239]

Yeah yeah yeah

[@JulesTools23]

It’s impossible to know afterwards, just how many young people drank wine and smoked weed as they’re going to everyday high back then

[@cartergarrett5905]

This tune was reaching newer heights on the pop charts in '69. We had Vietnam and. The Civil Rights Movement! I was born in March of '65. A civil rights baby. I love this sound. Social awareness.

[@michellevaughan7135]

Love that smile Alan !

[@dieselfan7406]

Saw them on a rainy afternoon in Hyde Park, London in 1970. Bob Hite cheered us up as the rain stopped and they did a blistering set. Bless

[@markboller4313]

I really like this song. ❤❤❤

[@haraldssongs264]

Als wäre es gestern gewesen , Uschi Nerke kündigte an diesem kalten Wintertag Canned Heat an , mit Going up ... und alles war gut !

[@betsymadden5261]

Remake of a 1928 Blues song, "Bull Dozer Blues" by bluesman Henry Thomas. Canned Heat really honored his original.

[@barbarasteed3966]

@Genaro Capablanca yes I have listen to the original and admired the musical abilities of the times...

[@usernameinvalid2675]

I watched the doc too 👍

[@alcat9552]

Henry Thomas a True American Legend

[@carlosmanuelgomez6961]

Fabulous band !!! Great song....i"m 73 year now, 1968, 1969 on Argentina

[@michaelward9880]

Always liked Canned Heat. Wasn't the same after Alan passed away. What a tragedy.

[@jorgenlarsson6621]

Why dont any one make songs like this any more! my grandson 14 thinks i am nuts ( i maby are) jumping around to this song lol

[@gerardop9633]

Una de las mejores canciones de Canned Head,y esa voz aflautada,con contrapunto de flauta de B.Wilson

[@Richard-pt4vf]

Very talented loved this Ɓand since th 60s 😊😊😊😊❤

[@philfletcher3434]

Alan Wilson never looked so happy and healthy as he does in this old video.

[@jimmythompson4409]

Ah man, what a voice ..thanks for posting

[@Marc-lq2qf]

Un grand classique du blues. Vraiment excellent, avec les 2 flûtes et la super voix de Bob Hite. La première fois que je vois cette très bonne vidéo. RIP Alan, Bob and Henry

[@JulesTools23]

I think it’s impossible to listen to this masterpiece and not be happy 😊 🤘

[@sergiopaim7884]

Som fabuloso. Essa música é triste ,e da vontade de dançar. Praia grande sp 👏👏👏👏👏🤩

[@Jørgen-y1ube]

Saw CH in Norway in 77(?) ,great band!

[@gopstench1883]

I loved Canned Heat when I was a kid. Totally unique band.

[@MitchellWeinstein-px8eu]

Yup I miss the old world lol, never to be that way again sadly