Henry Thomas - Going Up The Country (1928)

[@gareth4157]

My great-grandfather fought in WW1 for Great Britain (he was Scottish), in 1918 he befriended an American soldier who offered him work on his family's cattle farm in Huntsville after the war. Great grandad was lost mentally and craved a sea change, so he accepted the offer. In the mid 1920s he wrote in his diary about seeing an amazing black musician called 'Rag Rhyme Texas'. His music reached him in ways no other white music had before, and it transformed his outlook forever. He returned to Scotland in the Great Depression, and in 1968 his nephew played the Canned Heat version on his record player. Great grandad nearly had a heart attack and broke down in tears, that panpipe chorus was unforgettable he said. After much research my uncle found the record of Henry Thomas in the 70s, and we learned that his nickname was actually 'Ragtime Texas'. This is a story our family passes down from generation to generation, and we owe Henry Thomas so much in helping our family out of a very dark place.

[@paavosallinen1393]

tl;dr. Just kidding, great story.

[@Woodyperckerhead-ni3ti]

Yes depression was terrible lotta hobo’s an campfire music different nationalities

[@GreatWaterCircus]

Cool story... music and people.

[@The-Light1]

Fantastic story....I've just this minute found out that it was not a canned heat original

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

That’s Awsome ❤!

[@slaphead8835]

Every once in a while KZbin offers up an absolute treasure. This is a true gem.

[@writerjmd]

It's not KZbin, it's a person who posted

[@unbreakable7633]

@@writerjmd You know what he meant or are you being obtuse?

[@eggrolll]

​@@unbreakable7633 you can't say anything on the internet anymore without some pretentious loser correcting you, even when there's nothing to correct.

[@writerjmd]

@@unbreakable7633 Give credit to the person who did the work

[@AVoiceForThePeople]

No it’s not KZbin. Sometimes they let something through the algorithm that reminds us of human fucking beings. It’s an accident on the part of the company. Enjoy it while we can. Love you enjoy…before it’s over ok

[@KorithStoneheart]

95 years later this man gets his recognition.

[@ricoricky98]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@raymondkitchen6137]

To be fair, Canned Heat were usually pretty good at crediting the original artists when covering or reworking old blues songs unlike Led Zeppelin.

[@veronique8748]

Godbless people america Plenty of respect for this people countries From south France Véronique

[@georgemayhew1283]

About time 😮

[@lewstone5430]

@raymondkitchen6137 Zeppelin paid out in the end, after they were sued.

[@mrglenn66]

95 years later and this song still kicks ass!

[@saints3824]

Its ok

[@SunofYork]

I say you must be American. John Cleese: "It's all bottoms with you people"

[@SunofYork]

@TylerJones-gz3bx More than kind of creepy... Buying girls and keeping them as sex slaves legally ! And not long ago. My granddad (mother's dad) was born in 1862.... in slavery times. He was was English so not part of it

[@AmyWinehouse.914]

@@SunofYork Maybe you should have said "Bust his ass."

[@SunofYork]

@@AmyWinehouse.914 "Break your bottom" lol... It's all bottoms with Americans. Cleese kept marrying them for a while and he noticed it in every other sentence.

[@Republic3D]

Henry Thomas was born in the 1870s. Then 50 years later he records this song. Then 50 years after that Canned Heat makes their own version. Then 50 years after that I watch a reaction to the Canned Heat version (Alex & Andy) on KZbin, and the comments are full of people pointing to this original song from almost 100 years ago. Thanks internet, and thanks Henry Thomas. I love this song.

[@DockingFreidmanRecords]

Damn Henry Thomas was real ancient.

[@klieberthilo6571]

Ich liebe dieses Lied auch ❤

[@gtrbobmonterey1762]

History & research like this, one of the main reasons why we like the Net.

[@jpotter2086]

well, 50 ... 40 .... 50, but who's counting on the internet :D

[@MattiasSvanberg1987]

Magical moment when I found this

[@TheGlass50]

The name of this song is actually Bull Doze Blues by Henry “Ragtime Texas”Thomas and it was recorded on June 13, 1928. That flute sounding instrument that you hear which sounds so amazingly modern is known as a quill. It’s a black version of the Pan Flute.

[@ClueSign]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, appreciated.

[@edmondlau511]

Awesome! I've never heard of a quill or pan flute and read a little bit about them.

[@frederickus]

I thought Ocarina.

[@FlipDahlenburg]

Not an Ocarina?

[@A_Pa-Plainjane]

thx for that, we have such a rich history of music in the US, much of it from our black brothers and sisters. I love hearing all of it even if my skin is pale, my soul is black. Yesterday I woke up and felt like hearing the "Bourgeois Blues" by Leadbelly. And yes there has been some change, but we are not there yet. But we can be, if we want it. That's what the music says to me.

[@sandpointcinema7557]

Socks officially blown off. Wow, that is just awesome. All my life I thought this was written by Canned Heat. Can't get over the fact this is 1928. Can't be right, that date. If it is, this is one of the greatest songs of all time. Period.

[@NorsePJ]

To be fair many old blues players in turn copied from others as well. It's like many pop stars copy from classical composers and then call it theirs. Look at Maroon 5 for example. Their song "Memories" is clearly inspired by Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D. And then, classical composers copy from each other. But there's a fine line between copying and being inspired. Chord progressions and rhythms are usually not copyrightable unlike melodies. But I guess with millions of songs out there, many are bound to have similarities these days. People are obviously going to have similar ideas across the world. And there are of course only twelve notes to play with.

[@billrobbins5874]

Really enjoyed Canned Heat's remake of this. This original is remarkable. The instruments and voice, very well done. ❤️❤️

[@terryallen9546]

@@NorsePJ Yes, humans are often unaware of the influences in the work we produce. The first time I stood in front of Guernica, it was like a boulder had been dropped into my pond...sending waves to my entire soul.

[@mattfraser3452]

Little White lies , in short talent thieves .

[@tomlewis5542]

Exactly whose canned heat

[@ianmccutcheon6319]

This is unreal. I am shocked. That flute part was so ahead of it's time. Henry Thomas I salute you .

[@memphismick7010]

Those are actually reeds that he played. Like a pan flute.

[@caretakerfochr3834]

@@memphismick7010 Wow. I thought for sure it must be a recorder.

[@brucemclaughlin7845]

Not a flute- it's a recorder.

[@majik_man]

@@brucemclaughlin7845 Thanks i was wondering. what it was also

[@peterwray6067]

Not recorder. He had a pan flute-like apparatus around his neck so he could blow them while strumming and fingering the guitar neck

[@cliffshaw6530]

Alan Wilson was a blues nerd long before he became the singer in Canned Heat. He wasn’t stealing anything. He just wanted to share his favorite music with the rest of us.

[@markrush5013]

exactly.canned heat was very respectful of the past.

[@j-5087]

Did not know the version existed and assumed Alan sang an original. I think I prefer this one more but love my canned heat

[@headlessspaceman5681]

It doesn't matter if he was a blues nerd. He straight up stole it.

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

@@dennisthemenace3695 - Yeah, they do. They're the ones who give credit and direct royalties to the people who should get it...

[@robertculliford5698]

Can't knock a band that pays their dues

[@brownie1341]

I'm sure that Henry Thomas would have been flattered and thrilled to know his music was incredibly popular when covered by Canned Heat, and that we're still enjoying it 95 years later.

[@fraidnotsfortunatefew282]

I'm sure Henry Thomas would not have been happy with Canned Heat copying note for note his flute solo then putting Al Wilson's name as sole songwriter.

[@brownie1341]

@@fraidnotsfortunatefew282 Wow. That's disappointing to learn.

[@Charon58]

@@fraidnotsfortunatefew282 Thomas died thirty years before Canned Heat. Before the members were even born. But not crediting him was probably a way of avoiding royalties and it was pretty lame.

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

@@fraidnotsfortunatefew282 Read a book about the blues, in very few cases did one artist create something previously unheard in a vacuum. It's a folk art, and that's how Canned Heat approached it.

[@ratlips4363]

Do you mean "solen"?

[@garyjones3502]

My mother is still living. She was born in 1928. What a song.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

Happy 96th year!

[@rozchristopherson648]

My mom was born in 1929. RIP ❤️🙏

[@motnosniv]

Don't neglect telling her that you love her more than anyone else. There's nothing like a mother's love.

[@samborremans4023]

After 97 years KZbin finally recommended this masterpiece to me.

[@MarkP-t8l]

This is absolutely astonishing. Henry Thomas deserves a special recognition for being a pioneer in music. In my 65 years of thinking I know who's who I'm floored by this excellent recording and Henry Thomas.

[@Givemeagunnow]

Remastered of course but yeah still amazing

[@peterhorbacz3058]

I'll be 65 soon and this is AWESOME. Good bless you MR. THOMAS. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@peterhorbacz3058]

God bless you

[@paulthanasse7405]

We're in the same boat!

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

@@peterhorbacz3058 I'm two years older than you and I found this song a 'treasure,' too. Oh, where, oh, where has our music gone? I'd give almost anything to hear some 60's or 70' "balladeers" singing about today's times. Where the hell are they? Country Joe? Crosby, Stills Nash and Young? Joe Cocker? etc., etc. The music back then moved the young people and the young people started changing the world. Then, they all got sucked into the corporate fuckery that is today's wage-slave economy.

[@kenhoughton2594]

OMG how did I make it this far in life without ever having heard this version before!! Amazing.

[@deborahpaley21]

thinking the same what the heck

[@johnlemoine5571]

Me too, Ken. Thank goodness for Bluetooth and KZbin.

[@ontheroad5317]

Exactly! I’ve been enjoying the Canned Heat cover all these years and I never knew about this original! But I see the same phenomenon these days. My kids will be listening to music, and I tell them it’s a song from the 60s. And they assumed it was new.

[@kevinneill9768]

Sadly black artists were never given there just due. Listen to some Sister Rosetta Tharpe for another great artist who was ahead of her time. Elvis covered several songs (thing You Ain't Nothin' But a Houndog) previously recorded by black artists. Racism kept many of these songs hidden from white ears.

[@nicholasskroumbelos6842]

Hound Dog was written by Lieber and Stoller. Look it up.

[@Rico1-b6s]

I'm 66 and always thought this was a Canned Heat original (that became Woodstock's theme song ) not realizing it was a cover. They did it justice by keeping it close to the original. Music is a wonderful thing.

[@darrenrodd]

I never heard Canned Heat give a nod to the originator, the author of the tune...

[@davidconnellchicago]

​@@darrenroddagree. Looked to me like they claimed it as their own.

[@o---rr-gh-tti9398]

Or a penny!

[@Hoop-Snake-600]

@@davidconnellchicago It is basically plagiarism.

[@jawstheproducer1593]

Bruh this is AI

[@pgardner4269]

After hearing the Canned Heat version for the last 50 years, hearing this is like stepping into an Alternate Reality, where this was the song playing on the radio for all those years.

[@argononeya7080]

Songs like this are usually forgotten ,and rarely IF AT ALL played by any radio station .Ever heard the OG version of hound dog .It's vastly different .that's all I gotta say only Sometimes blues stations will air the OG music so many got super famous from covering But it's rare on am or fm radio

[@jwd5397]

Well said! I can relate to that.

[@maximisatwat]

Mm, I think just about every song Canned Heat recorded was a cover

[@gregbors8364]

When has *any* song by an OG blues man received commercial radio play? Hear a lot of Robert Johnson on your local “classic rock” station, do you?

[@patrickdaly5068]

@@gregbors8364Some NPR stations have played old blues stuff like this. I used to listen to one (called “Blues Before Sunrise,” years ago when I was a 3rd shifter) where the host played lots of stuff from old 78s.

[@gregcraven6130]

This is what real music is to sound like it's 2023 who's still listen to this song i am

[@rozchristopherson648]

I’m 63. I remember the Canned Heat version back when I was a kid. Thank you for going back to the source. ❤❤❤

[@rodgerarne1437]

Same, I found this when I checked out the original Hey Joe by Billy Roberts, made famous by Jimi Hendrix. Had no idea this was an old folk song. Brilliant

[@kaymuldoon3575]

I’m the same age as you. I also remember the Canned Heat version as a kid. I love old blues songs ♥️

[@WMACPT]

Good Lord we're all so blessed to hear this version! I have no words but to be humbled and thankful!

[@robertcameron9029]

very well said

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Bowled over(Humbled).

[@heregulmithal7063]

I agree.

[@Rose-rk9ln]

Very humbled and grateful to hear this!

[@obiwan2112]

The Canned Heat version is certainly a classic. Makes me wonder what else I don't know about classics. Thanks Henry Thomas.

[@stevengarcia877]

you have a lot of surprised coming then ... i consider 1925 - 35 to be the golden age for just about all music take a listen to Jiimie Davis pre-decca recordings ... they will blow you away !!! especially when he paired with Snoozer Quinn .... Cliff Carlisle too , again Bluebirds and VIctors ....

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Led Zeppelin's When the Levee Breaks is also a cover. The song was written in 1929, about an actual levee breach in 1927. At least they gave credit.

[@lethrbear32]

Canned Heat did several covers of oldies. Fantastic covers at that. You can tell they respected these old songs by how well they performed them.

[@scootergeorge7089]

@@lethrbear32 The problem is, Canned Heat never gave credit to the original. They claimed it as their own. They stole the man's music.

[@artstrology]

He did it good.

[@maryreilly5092]

Tearing up listening to this today. What an honor to hear Mr. Thomas. Much Respect.

[@BennilocoLoves]

😥 me too.. ❤️‍🩹

[@pelumaad331]

Me too...something is missing in today's music...listening to this I feel the 20s, 30s and 60s....

[@AggressiveSpaghetti]

this isn't like, a sad sounding song, what's so special about it? Just a nice blues

[@pelumaad331]

@@AggressiveSpaghetti ...This song came around again when Canned Heat did the riff at Woodstock....check out the the flick...

[@Barbi-xu4sf]

Yes indeed

[@alfasdelpi]

What a nugget of gold this is. Found it by accident. Fabulous.

[@jimyoung940]

He's got the secret to being laid back and rocking at the same time.

[@MariusRiley]

💯

[@wmanadeau7860]

Right

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Perfect summation

[@mortalclown3812]

Underrated comment.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Very perceptive comment ! Thank you for sharing !

[@henrywinchester9372]

Music really is a Time Machine it’s insane to think of what a completely different world this song was recorded in

[@johnanthony9313]

I was lucky enough to listen to stuff like this as a young boy in 1950s Essex. My Dad was a dance band pianist and I was brought up with popular music. A lot of folk and Country songs and Black Blues. Music has stayed with me my whole life (77 years) and I know how lucky I am.

[@ericgeorgetruckgrilling]

Essex in which country??

[@carlbrown5150]

I am 71 (Iknow how you feel back in the day music was raw talent an art. Now its synthetic computerized no talent needed in a disposable society.!!🤨

[@nemo8416]

Those who can not just listen to music, but feel it, are truly lucky people.

[@johnanthony9313]

@@ericgeorgetruckgrilling ..sorry musicman, its Essex UK, just east of London

[@ericgeorgetruckgrilling]

@@johnanthony9313 Thanks man. I live in Ontario Canada and we have alot of cities named after various cities in the UK. Essex Ontario is about 2 hours west of London Ontario! I grew up in Windsor which is across the US border from Detroit MI. Grew up listening to Motown from Detroit and blues from Chicago. Because my dad was in radio and television I got to see alot of up and coming musicians and my sister had a friend who was a music promoter and she got to see the Beatles in Detroit in I think '66.

[@1morenote.]

That needle cracking just adds even more magic to this song

[@garyschneider8829]

And the sound quality is amazing as well

[@MitchellMaichak-ze7mr]

The audio equivalent of pinhole photography , beautiful in it's simplicity !!!

[@pyenygren2299]

A 95 years old song in 2023, and it is still a good song.

[@williamratekin7862]

Had no idea canned heat was covering this.I thought it was an original of theirs...

[@pegbars]

Me, neither. And they didn't even credit him on the label. >:(

[@JUANCARPENTERO]

A lot of those 60s bands owe a huge debt to bluesmen, some acknowledge it but most didn't. It's unfortunate because you can be sure Henry Thomas never made a fraction of what Canned Heat made

[@harvey1954]

@@pegbars Big surprise, huh ?

[@harvey1954]

@@JUANCARPENTERO The Rooftop singers claimed "Walk Right In" as their own tune. Figured Gus Cannon, who really wrote it, was long gone. He showed up one night at one of their NY shows. Asked them to explain why his name was on the hit record. Talk about an awkward situation.

[@dalewins9782]

I'm with you, I thought it was an original. Learn something new every day 🤣

[@scott-in-dfw3005]

Thank you Blind Owl, Bear and the guys for such a faithful cover. Tears in my eyes. Seriously.

[@KevyNova]

It’s only a cover when you give credit. When you take credit for yourself, it’s theft.

[@scott-in-dfw3005]

@@KevyNova Did they actually claim credit for writing the song, or just fail to mention it? Back then, all the bands (mostly) were greatly influenced by those early blues artists. Page and the boys didn't give credit for that Killin' Floor riff in the Lemon Song, but didn't claim it for themselves either.

[@scott-in-dfw3005]

Wow, okay I looked up the original album cover and Country is credited to Wilson.

[@KevyNova]

@@scott-in-dfw3005 it wasn’t a mistake. They took credit. And Zeppelin credited themselves for much more than a riff in “The Lemon Song” which is actually “Killing Floor”, a song that Jimi Hendrix also covered but gave credit on. Zeppelin (or rather Page and Plant) gave themselves credit on many songs that they didn’t write, including “Dazed And Confused”, “Black Mountain Side”, “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You”, “Whole Lotta Love”, “In My Time Of Dying”, and many more.

[@lilajagears8317]

@@KevyNova Still the greatest band EVER.

[@bobparr4723]

I come from England and i am proud of the fact that many of the blues greats were brought over here from America in the 60s. Made so welcome by our people and the british blues bands that emulated and revered their roots music. Lets keep the blues alive and put those originals at the top of the pile, where they belong!! 👍👍

[@donaldnacey6033]

Thank you.

[@KohalaLover]

Direct from Henry’s heart and soul. Absolutely beautiful.

[@richardstiers9010]

I always loved the Canned Heat version. I am surprised at how little they actually contributed to this wonderful, delicate song. And SO cheerful! 😊

[@RevCeleste]

Hard to improve on Perfection. They just did it in the Next Generation or so. Love it love it love it

[@carolmikofsky4976]

They mashed in the song by Blind Willie McTell of Atlanta, Georgia.

[@D3R3LICTRECORDS]

It's artists like this that make me proud to be an American. We have such a rich and diverse musical history!

[@georgemayhew1283]

Music and food can bring us all together someday ❤

[@emilerose1424]

Me too. I'd be even prouder if the people who made it into a commercial hint showed respect for their fellow American and credited his authorship for royalties.

[@dagnabbit6187]

Yes indeed . I have always said whether it is blues from this guy or George Gershwin I would put’em up against the Europeans anyday .

[@emersononeill]

AMEN!

[@martinhill2583]

Pity the black man was racialy suppressed for so long

[@argononeya7080]

I love this raw ole music Done by usually self taught musicians Back then I'm not sure lessons were even a thing For simple strumming .This is as raw as it gets,and I love every freaking note .

[@brushstroke3733]

I never thought about it, but I'm sure you're right - there were no formal lessons for blues and folk music at that time. Very few teachers and students might have studied classical guitar, but otherwise, guitar was still a fairly under appreciated instrument.

[@obbor4]

Pretty much the same can be said about all of the rock musicians in the 60s and 70s also. They learned these songs by ear by listening to the records.

[@Skorpio420]

Self taught or adding music to the songs their parents, maybe even grandparents, sang to them.

[@markpage7196]

Still listening almost 100 years later.

[@minionofgozer7414]

This song is around 95 years old... it's close to a century old and it's still as joyful to listen to as the day it was recorded 😎

[@steg_of_neth.2877]

Timeless, foot tapping, feel good music.

[@angryox3102]

Realized that I was tapping my foot when I read your comment haha

[@budewsama3881]

Damn. Caught me in the act.

[@MarkBak76]

Tapping 2 feet then read this

[@jubalcalif9100]

As I do when I take off my hat, you make a good point !!

[@larserikolofosterling2338]

Me too tapping feet then I read this....

[@georgegaylord]

Can’t beat the old delta blues classic as they are the true roots of Southern rock and any good rock from the last 70 years

[@g.m.watson1963]

Henry Thomas was from Texas, not Mississippi. This song has nothing to do with the Delta style.

[@johnosborne2989]

Unbelievable the more i search the more i learn at 69yrs.

[@sandramorey2529]

Thank you, KZbin for not letting this genius be forgotten.

[@master-diver5832]

The flute part seems way more contemporary for the modern era than when it was recorded in 1928. A true gem. Blues music flow through my veins. Thank you for this video.

[@donhuber9131]

Thomas's cane quills definitely have an earthier sound. A lot harder to play than a flute as well, especially held in a harmonica rack. His chord changes are bang on!

[@maskcollector6949]

@@donhuber9131 Thanks for the name of what they're called, I know them as Pan flutes.

[@bugzyhardrada3168]

​@@maskcollector6949it's weird picturing blue artists playing on pan fluets on the 1920s On a totally unrelated matter, I still remember those two South Park episodes to well...

[@donhuber9131]

@@bugzyhardrada3168 The quills, the proper name, possibly have an Afro-Carribean component that appealed to fine traditional musicians such as Henry Thomas.

[@donhuber9131]

@@johnzenkin1344 I don't understand your comment, but that's okay. There are outstanding contemporary performances on quills by Dom Flemons and Mike Seeger to be enjoyed on KZbin. Flemons was a founding member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and I was lucky to catch them on tour just before they went their separate ways. I was fortunate to take a couple of workshops with Seeger at the Ozark Folk Center in Mtn View, AR before he passed on. Mike Seeger and Dom Flemons are mainly responsible for keeping Henry Thomas' legacy alive in the traditional American music scene, as it exists.

[@frankstefini3392]

500 years from now people will still be loving it !

[@dexterd3316]

ya man raaaastaaaa benjiiiiii

[@GavinLepley]

If humanity isn't wiped out by its own ego by then.

[@thekarmafarmer608]

How do you know?

[@t16205]

@@thekarmafarmer608 Because its obvious

[@thekarmafarmer608]

@@t16205 Oh.

[@LyleStacpoole]

WHAT??? 1928?? WOW - you can hear the rock and roll gaining momentum as the song progresses ... a true pioneer and totally under-rated!!! his progeny should be truly totally proud of their ancestor!!! thanks for uploading Eser ...

[@jabbardawud5036]

No one can duplicate the way he did this song. He's on another level.

[@stevengarcia877]

listen to his version of John Henry !!! blows away everyone else ... btw , that's not a flute, Henry played shepards pipes along with his guitar ... garce

[@lochnessmonster9754]

Id say Alan Wilson did just fine

[@richhahn2443]

I was thinking how true to the original Canned Heat was.

[@spikeklein2196]

I had no idea. Thank you for posting this

[@ronkagarise5512]

My dad played canned heat record at home and 8 tracks in the car. As a 10 year old, I fell in love with this style of music. When I hear this song, it reminds me of going places in his 72 skylark. Good times

[@madelinemaize1426]

OMG My dad's skylark! 8 track tape player, windows down, headed for Cape May NJ...1973

[@nicoleono3981]

Fuck Canned Heat for not giving this guy credit...same with Led Zep who didn't credit Robert Johnson for the Lemon Song...gross!!

[@JB-rw9xt]

I just learned Henry was also playing a “quill” on this song - an ancient instrument that makes the flute like sound.

[@mcatman34]

If you look close you can see the "quill" (pan flute) hanging around his neck.

[@guinottewise]

Thanks--good to know.

[@grandelagarto3220]

A quill is a flute.

[@JoeKoOhNo]

Good idea by Canned Heat to keep that part.

[@skychristypresents4313]

That thing sounds great

[@u.s.militia7682]

I can’t get enough of this. It’s the most genuine music I’ve ever heard.

[@ronrubicon1593]

You have to give the guys in Canned Heat a ton of credit for recognizing the greatness in this song, and deciding it was worthy of recording themselves.

[@rickingamells1078]

I read once that Bear from Canned Heat had a extensive collection of blues old blues records

[@SmokinGun55]

.....But they really did a disservice to Henry Thomas by NEVER acknowledging that he was the true author and by always taken credit for the song themselves.

[@maw9916]

For stealing it...

[@donaldleroy6502]

Not to mention that they did it very well and gave it the respect it deserves 😊❤

[@richmerowitz5610]

Let's hope Mr. Thomas' estate got decent royalties from Heat's cover, but knowing the record industry, it's not a sure thing.

[@dondouglass6415]

To hear a voice from so long ago... Well, what more can I say? The singer still lives... Absolutely wonderful...

[@SunofYork]

My granddad was born in 1862

[@GavinLepley]

@@SunofYork Mine was born in 1952.

[@SunofYork]

@@GavinLepley Heck make sure he isn't left alone when he gets old. I have a GREAT granddaughter and my grandkids never send even an email. Talking to other coffin dodgers, this is normal nowadays.. Too busy with iPhones and tattoos and lip plumping and botty lifts and cannabis etc I use to push bike 3 miles to see my old granny twice a week... "EEE lad I am right glad to see you...sit down and have a biscuit"... She brought up 13 kids. Hers/his theirs I never knew either of my granddads ..One shot by the Germans in 1917, and one died of excitement on my parents wedding day.... and my grand children don't give a damn.. I have 2.5 million in loose cash but their dad is filthy rich (via hi dead dad), so no incentive there.

[@PiperDowns]

how blessed we are that even under the brutality and hardships of slavery something truly unique and beautiful was born in spite of the terrible circumstances. these songs were passed down over generations by word of mouth and played by self taught musicians. how lucky we are that these treasures were kept alive until they could be recorded for future generations to enjoy. The Blues are a testament to the human soul's ability to endure and thrive under the worst conditions imaginable. America just wouldn't be as special without the rich and diverse groups of people living life the best they knew how.

[@michaelwillis3491]

Oh, how I agree!

[@MrHammerman97]

Was he a slave?

[@subaruthug]

Always got to bring the slave stuff into it.....he doesn't seem like a slave to me, he seems like a musician? Did they give slaves a guitar and let them go and record records back in those days?

[@JustJonny17]

Barbary slave trade bro, WE ARE ALL slaves… knock it off

[@raythrush4665]

It's music not race

[@BILLY-px3hw]

The flute melody line makes this song what it is, hats off to the person responsible

[@billgausman5887]

If you look carefully, you can see his home made pan flute hanging around his neck. It is that tapered thing just above his guitar. One pipe per note.

[@adrianjohnson5928]

It's Henry Thomas playing pan pipes on a rack round his neck while strumming the guitar. What a beautiful combination. And there's a reason why no one else has done it... it's impossible!!!

[@jzonkel]

@@adrianjohnson5928 i know a guy on instagram who does it

[@wilburrwould2170]

My sister had a Canned Heat Album with this song, I used to sit and play it over and over...Thank You Henry Thomas.

[@LilSlav4123]

This song effortlessly captures the essence of joy and adventure. It's a foot-tapping, soul-lifting masterpiece that will have you hooked from the very first note.

[@jamiehalifax4954]

Toes are tapping reading your post !

[@irieite9666]

The music and melody I agree. But the lyrics are anything but uplifting, adventurous etc. Its about a black guy in the very early 20th century trying and failing to find somewhere he won't be whipped with a bullrope. "I'm going where I'll never get a bull dose Im going whete ill never get a bull dose" "If you dont think I'm sinking look what a hole im in If you dont think I'm sinking look what a hole im in If you don't think im sinking look what a fool I've been" "Oh my babe take me back, I ain't welcome take me back" He leaves Mobile, Alabama and goes to the Ku Klux Kapital of Memphis Tennessee and sees its even worse for him there and longs to be back getting whipped in Alabama.

[@johnpowys5755]

@@irieite9666 That's interesting - I wondered why it is also called bull dose blues. Somehow it is still music about overcoming your troubles.

[@gresleyt.9163]

It wasnt about adventure ,it was about him trying to escape the klu klux klan and realising it was impossible….so he realises he has to go back to oppression….

[@derektoner8148]

Henry Thomas take a bow ....and Canned Heat what foresight to take a 30 odd year old song and "rock it" ....two great versions of this song ....made my day that one !!

[@LoriannSmithsanpell]

I never knew this was a cover by Canned Heat! I am just loving this!! 1928! Oh man, thank you for posting this great song! 😊❤

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

There's a lot to hear in southern music, back to the earliest recordings in America.

[@pit2ryan3]

@user-fj1pq8me7w - Yes, but at least they gave credit to it... Canned Heat just didn't...

[@karlstrand2005]

I had no idea either.

[@veronique8748]

Il faut savoir que tout est reprise dans ce monde ! Rien n a été inventé C'est Ecrit dans la bible

[@thelegendinhisownmind7038]

I thought Canned Heat was originally responsible for this awesome song. I simply can't believe this was recorded in 1928. Absolutely mind blowing! 😁

[@Devo491]

That Pan's flute is absolute genius, a home-made alternative to the bought harmonica, and it works so well, it has survived to this day

[@wmrustycox]

Still gives me the goose bumps to hear this epic blues song !!! They don't make em like that any more... and sadly this style isn't appreciated like it should be any more

[@coffeehigh420]

interesting FACT : The Beatles were messing around / jamming with the Canned Heat version of this song and it morphed into what we now know as "Get Back". In other words, your song recorded in 1928 is the reason we have "Get Back" from The Beatles. Thank you, Mr. Henry Thomas. - Music NEVER dies :). (look up on youtube "going up the country beatles" and you'll find what I'm speaking of / hear the actual recordiing of the jam session with Paul, George, John and Ringo playing "Going Up The Country".

[@GraemeSpringer]

This is so awesome 👌 I bet he would be happy that young people are listening 💯 years later.. People want to be remembered.

[@spiderkins]

I'm not young, but still listening to this great original.

[@Porscheman1]

One of my fav songs from Canned Heat. Had no idea Henry Thomas performed this in 1928!

[@draymen8754]

So glad I was able to hear this song.

[@9L252AL]

Wow! 1928! That's when my dad was born, and I'm 69.

[@dorian3260]

I don’t care who performs it, but this song to me represents hope, optimism and moving forward.

[@neuvocastezero1838]

Maybe the happiest blues song ever written.

[@BlindMellowJelly]

Thats like saying your color blind. We want you to see who we are for so long others defined our contributions and simply stole all the credit

[@dorian3260]

@@BlindMellowJelly what’s your contribution?

[@BlindMellowJelly]

@@dorian3260 Well it depends on your age and education level. Before school books were all made in Texas I wrote 7 with 4 still in service in more educated of the states. CT, NYC, California and AZ. My service currently is the leading fact-checking service used by network media and college debate clubs not to mention Oxford and Freie Universität Berlin. Making people better and more intelligent is my personal goal in life as a method not to be sucked into this current ignorance we live with today. That seems to translate into serious financial rewards and fuels my family to continue the fight. Thanks for asking May I ask what your contributions are to date? I mean aside from all the videos you have commented on in the last 90 days

[@dorian3260]

@@BlindMellowJelly Wow, you’re kind of all over the board, here. I thought your reply was a comment on the racist plagiarism in American music. But good on you for your academic achievements. Surprised that you made that grammatical error in your first reply. By the way, I’m a retired author. I’ve written novels, plays etc. I was an entertainment journalist until MySpace and Facebook came along and ended that. I’ve left a comment on every version of this song on KZbin because I think it’s a great song. When it comes to this song, I guess I am color blind.

[@stephencopps1561]

The Canned Heat version stays utterly faithful to this gem ❤ I've never heard this before 😴

[@walther9161]

Officially one of the coolest things I’ve ever learned. Grew up in the sixties and listened to canned heat and now I know where the song came from.

[@jamesgoines7663]

Great music. Unbelievable excellent recording. It also goes to show that history needs to recognized and remembered, unlike what's currently going on around the country. Thanks to Canned Heat for their cover.

[@donhuber9131]

Yes, they can ban books, but the music lives on.

[@cryptonator1988]

But i dont ever remember canned heat crediting this man hence the reason we are all hear now barely hearing the original version same with led zeppelin they were famous for not crediting their covers probably why they got sued by willie dixion for a million dollars or more for good reasons..

[@matthewevansteush6461]

oviously canned heat heard and liked it,maybe it was better known back then before The Wall got build, i.eWhite bluesman making millions out of it I am white and from Scotland btw.

[@Al-yf7tm]

The blues had a baby and they called it Rock n roll..

[@lindahandley5267]

This makes me cry. Mr. Thomas deserves so much recognition.

[@randallbates9020]

I realize many people jump on later artists who remake these old blues songs but not me. I love that Led Zeppelin and Canned Heat and so many others actually knew about this great music and honored it. I never get tired of listening to Zeppelin doing when the levee breaks or so many others like Canned Heat doing this or the Animals and so on. Long live the blues and long live Rock and Roll.

[@stevenowell]

At Woodstock Baby

[@steverobinson364]

Keep in mind the original writers were not given credit until lawsuits kicked in

[@TertiumNondatur-e2j]

people jump on later artists... when they STEAL (blatantly, like in this case) stuff, not when they get inspiration from it, or when they give back the credit and money due. Coldplay literally copied Kraftwerk's "Computer Liebe" in one of their most succesfull song (if not THE most successfull song), but they asked theri permission first, put them in the credits, and paid the royalties...

[@RevCeleste]

I had no idea until this popped up in my algorithm that Canned Heat did not write that song. It's always been in my list of songs that I love! Glad he's getting the recognition finally, at least to a certain extent.

[@ladylouise1969]

Wow! We cannot believe how good the sound is on that wow amazing! ❤️

[@DarrellLancaster-l5q]

Long Live Henry Thomas and his music. ♾️

[@justkoolin]

Incredible, to say the least. He should entered into the Hall of Fame ASAP.

[@bigtruckbrad]

This is beyond classic. This is timeless. True art endures! Rock On

[@linetsers]

1928. I'm completely blown away guys. It sounds so clean. Almost 100 years old this is amazing.

[@johnloving9401]

Much respect to the great Alan Wilson for showing much respect to Henry Thomas' song and recording. Canned Heat's recording is pure homage.

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

THIS is the correct response, not all these "kErMiT sToLe hIs sOnG!!!" comments. So much misinformation out there. What Alan Wilson singlehandedly did for rural blues is nothing short of amazing - but so few people take a second to read to find facts...Great comment.

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

Blind Owl did good!

[@jamessloan2680]

Much love for Alan Wilson, a gentle soul.

[@searchthewind99]

He would have been an even better person had he credited Thomas and paid his family royalties.

[@carlmally6292]

@@ChrisMezzolesta It is not a homage when you take it note for note without giving credit.

[@charlenegosse3988]

Pure blues, pure southern music, will never tire of this.

[@BlindMellowJelly]

Pure black music....southern was just the area where it was stollen from. It is like souther cooking being made a white invention....it is simply black folks cooking paula dean called southern food. Yeah like come on now

[@bbrcummins1984]

​@@BlindMellowJelly SMDH you should really do some research 😅

[@BlindMellowJelly]

@@bbrcummins1984 Been all over it since it was found. 12 publications and 6 interviews thus far from my place of employment.

[@Leopard_Lover]

I just left the cinema after watching Killers of the Flower Moon. Scorsese’s taste in music surpasses anyone on this planet. I had no idea this wasn’t written by canned heat, either. Thank you ❤ 🎶

[@stuartlevine5836]

Actually, Scorsese's taste in music was derived from the fact that he had Robbie Robertson as his musical director. Robertson, of course, died shortly before the film was released and the film is dedicated to him.

[@Leopard_Lover]

@@stuartlevine5836 thank you for this info. Scorsese writes scenes to songs fyi he does choose a lot of the music in his films.

[@buck546]

I absolutely love old time blues. It is music from the heart and about the problems and struggles of life. Just like the history of country music real experiences of living put to music by those who lived it.

[@stephenstone8817]

This artist is way in front of his time. Great tune I really like everything about it.

[@BillyColeII-dr6dk]

This is absolutely amazing....RIP Henry Thomas

[@runningbeard7380]

The lyrics to Henry Thomas Bull Doze Blues I'm going away, babe, and it won't be long I'm going away and it won't be long I'm going away and it won't be long Just as sure as that train leaves out of that Mobile yard Just as sure as that train leaves out of that Mobile yard Just as sure as that train leaves out of that Mobile yard Come shake your hand, tell your papa goodbye Come shake your hand, tell your papa goodbye Come shake your hand, tell your papa goodbye I'm going back to Tennessee I'm going back to Memphis, Tennessee I'm going back to Memphis, Tennessee I'm going where I never get bull-dozed I'm going where I never get the bull-doze I'm going where I never get bull-dozed If you don't believe I'm sinking Look what a hole I'm in If you don't believe I'm sinking Look what a hole I'm in If you don't believe I'm sinking Look what a fool I've been Oh, my babe, take me back How in the world... Lord, take me back Canned Heat's version I'm going up the country Baby, don't you wanna go? I'm going up the country Baby, don't you wanna go? I'm going to some place Where I've never been before I'm going, I'm going Where the water tastes like wine I'm going where the water tastes like wine We can jump in the water Stay drunk all the time I'm gonna leave this city, got to get away I'm gonna leave this city, got to get away All this fussing and fighting, man, you know I sure can't stay Now baby, pack your leaving trunk, you know we've got to leave today Just exactly where we're going I cannot say But we might even leave the U.S.A. 'Cause there's a brand new game that I wanna play No use of you running or screaming and crying 'Cause you've got a home, man Long as I've got mine

[@jbm11235]

This is great. Thanks.

[@TheCobraman45]

Thanks.

[@bobski7032]

Thanks for the info

[@martinmccool366]

Thanks for sharing these lyrics!

[@johnjeffreys6440]

I'm surprised Zeppelin didn't hock this one.

[@kai.3654]

For the past days I've been infatuated with this tune! I just can't stop singing it! Rest in peace, Henry Thomas❤✊❤

[@wzman2006]

I heard this song played in the movie Killers of the Flower Moon, which takes place in the 1920s. I thought it was out of place, and felt compelled to find if there was an earlier version. Here it is!

[@Ridemybike123]

I would bet that Henry would be thrilled knowing his song continued on and new instruments were added. Both are excellent!

[@ek6648]

This is almost 100 years ago, let that sink in...... And now we are listening on a device that would be called sorcery back then

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

Hell it is

[@wraithstrongopark]

not really. the first t.v. was was demonstrated a year before this song came out(invented by a guy who didn't even have electricity until he was a teenager), movies had been a thing for over 30 years, radio close behind. magazines in america were filled with the ideas of tesla and the edison corp., including computers. so take it easy there, the early 20th century was not medieval times by any stretch of the imagination.

[@winbub]

​@@wraithstrongopark the course of the technological revolutions was set indeed, but from those days to now is a huge leap. they probably wouldn't have called it sorcery though. :D

[@sourcetext]

😊 thank you KZbin for keeping the world connected, we the people of Earth can have one universal mind 🙏

[@burnysbigbeavers]

1928 … man that’s insane 😮… Henry Thomas a legend. Shout out to Canned Heat too ❤

[@lynnglidewell7367]

How did Canned Heat every uncover this old lost treasure? I don't know how but glad they did. This original is top notch on it's own merits!

[@landofmilk]

Been a Canned Heat fan for a long time and am pretty sure I read somewhere years ago that the two CH singers were among the most avid early blues and folk music collectors in the States; not just an expression, they literally built up absolutely massive collections of rare vinyl when not a lot of other people were buying these genres - so I'm guessing that's how they found this gem by Mr Thomas, and a lot more besides.

[@pit2ryan3]

@@landofmilk - Extra-kudos to them for not mentioning the source... Beg, borrow or steal...

[@landofmilk]

@@pit2ryan3 Thanks for the heads-up, sarcasm notwithstanding. When I first looked briefly online, it seemed CH had (formally) credited Thomas; with a longer look it seems that they didn't. I'll retract the kudos.

[@ianclarke1852]

@@landofmilkyou’re right

[@davidbailey1721]

Just remember, it was 30-odd years old when Canned Heat covered it. Similar to someone covering Smells Like Teen Spirit today.

[@rf7869]

I didn't even realize that had good Music like that back in 1928. THIS is REAL History and should be Preserved.

[@andrewward747]

Simply amazing. And from nearly 100 years ago. So much better than today's.

[@faustinogonzalez4821]

Escuchar esta canción ya es un milagro. Pudo perderse en el tiempo. Parece mentira que ésta generación tiene el honor de Escuchar un talento de hace 100 años. Saludos desde Panamá 🇵🇦

[@JoseSanchez-pz9uk]

👍

[@faustinogonzalez4821]

@@JoseSanchez-pz9uk saludos José 👍🏻

[@markbass9402]

Hello, Panama!

[@faustinogonzalez4821]

@@markbass9402 saludos Mark 👍🏻🇵🇦 Bendiciones

[@faustinogonzalez4821]

Amén, igual

[@henrykrinkle8286]

A gem..... we need to preserve recorded music history, thank you Eser Yűksel

[@sanjoaquinvalleytransparency1]

Beautiful

[@teddroberts993]

I started whistling right along. That’s 95 years ago! Awesome.

[@MrMaxonian206]

Unbelievable. Fantastic. Nearly 100 years old. What a privilege.

[@kevinfarris9871]

Always loved this song! Amazing...even more amazing now!

[@christopherwood2290]

Love the flute. This is so much better than the high tech stuff we hear today where musicians and singers don't even need any talent. They just need to look good.

[@paulguzman1634]

From the Humblest of people comes Magic like this! A lot of the Hit music through the 60's, 70's and 80's originally came from people like Henry. They wrote songs and played them for the sheer joy of their music mostly, because they didn't make a lot of money! Nothing offered by the mainstream today can touch the joy these old songs bring to my soul. This is one of my all time favorites from the Bear and Canned Heat!! Thanks Henry!! Thanks to Eser Yuksel for this Awesome Post!