I think it's the first political song he ever did, about the apocalypse. I thought it was very strange that he'd do something like that, but it has always appealed to me. It stops and starts, and it's very soulful.
The Playlist Special: Top Artists Pick Their Personal Top 10
Gregg Allman: Blues Vocals
Allman heard his first blues – by Howlin' Wolf – as a teen. "Though it's pretty basic in structure, it carries a lot of emotion," he says. "It can bring your spirits up, or if you're in a hole, it can get you deeper. It's amazing what they do with those three chords."
Listen: Greg Allman's Top Blues Vocals Songs
-
1."The Danger Zone" | Ray Charles, 1961
-
2."Grits Ain't Groceries" | Little Milton, 1969
Oh, God, that intro – "If I don't love you, baby!" It sends chills up my spine. It sounds like he's singing that song on one knee, with a ring in his hand.
-
3."What's Going On" | Marvin Gaye, 1971
If anyone could sing the blues, it was Marvin. He made some of the most soulful sounds I've ever heard from anybody.
-
4."Born In Chicago" | The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, 1965
His signature tune. He brought that killer harp to the blues. The whole band, with Mike Bloomfield on guitar, is killer.
-
5."Driftin' Blues" | Bobby "Blue" Bland, 1967
It kinda just floats, and Bland sings like he's got his feet up on a footstool, kicking back with a drink.
-
6."Losing Faith in You" | B.B. King, 1968
It sounds like he borrowed Ray Charles' band. They're on fire.
-
7."Nine Below Zero" | Sonny Boy Williamson, 1961
What he does with that fucking harmonica is amazing, and the low notes can shake the house, man.
-
8."You Don't Miss Your Water ('Til Your Well Runs Dry)" | Taj Mahal, 1968
Taj's singing goes over the top. It's about a guy who screwed up. One time in my life, I could relate to that!
-
9."Born Under A Bad Sign" | Albert King, 1967
My brother Duane and I really dug him. I don't know a guitar player alive who didn't cut their teeth on Albert.
-
10."Gypsy Woman" | Muddy Waters, 1947
I love that lyric "You your mama's bad-luck child!" That just kills me.
